JUNE 23 NIGER DELTA INCIDENT SUMMARY

UNCLAS LAGOS 000912 SIPDIS SIPDIS STATE FOR AF/W STATE FOR INR/AA E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: EPET PGOV ASEC PTER CASC NI SUBJECT: JUNE 23 NIGER DELTA INCIDENT SUMMARY REF: LAGOS 787 ¶1. This is the biweekly roundup of security incidents in the Niger Delta. This roundup excludes "normal" street crime and concentrates on particularly serious incidents with a possible militant or political element. These incidents have not been reported in other cables or are updates of previously reported items. Separately, these events would not warrant individual cables but they are noteworthy for they are indicative of the level of violence and unrest in this important region of Nigeria. ¶2. June 21 - Assailants attacked the Port Harcourt compound of Rivers State Commissioner for Finance Kenneth Kobani. They threw explosives into the compound after they were unable to penetrate its defenses. No clear motive has been identified for the attack (some say the Commissioner is eyeing the gubernatorial seat),which follows a similar attack on the Port Harcourt home of Deputy Speaker of the National House of Representatives, Austin Opara (reftel). Speculation continues that Opara's home was attacked due to his support, albeit tepid, for President Obasanjo's tenure extension. ¶3. June 22 - The Naval Base at Port Harcourt was attacked by five to six speed boats. There was an exchange of gunfire between government security forces and the attackers, who also allegedly used dynamite. The attackers escaped with 100 million naira (781,000 USD) from the First BaQ, Bonny Branch. There is no confirmation of casualties or damage to any boats involved, but two Navy personnel were initially reported missing. ¶4. This cable was cleared by Embassy Abuja. BROWNE