SITREP #3: PROOF OF LIFE FOR KIDNAPPED PIVOT

C O N F I D E N T I A L LAGOS 000057 SIPDIS SIPDIS DOE FOR GPERSON, CGAY TREASURY FOR ASEVERENS, SRENENDER, DFIELDS COMMERCE FOR KBURRESS STATE PASS USTR FOR ASST USTR FLISER STATE PASS TRANSPORTATION FOR MARAD STATE PASS OPIC FOR ZHAN AND MSTUCKART STATE PASS TDA FOR NCABOT STATE PASS EXIM FOR JRICHTER STATE PASS USAID FOR GWEYNAND AND SLAWAETZ E.O. 12958: DECL: 01/26/2016 TAGS: EPET ENERG ASEC PTER NI SUBJECT: SITREP #3: PROOF OF LIFE FOR KIDNAPPED PIVOT EMPLOYEE BILL GRAHAM REF: LAGOS 47 Classified By: Consul General Brian Browne for Reasons 1.4 (B,D) ¶1. (C) Summary: Control Risks Group representative told the Pivot-GIS Crisis Management Group (CMG) that the number and kinds of contacts between Amcit Bill Graham and individuals who know him well can be considered to meet the criteria for proof of life. End Summary. ¶2. (C) The Crisis Management Group (CMG) for the Pivot-GIS kidnapping of Amcit Bill Graham and Briton Neil Mirrlees met January 25. There had been three recent telephone calls between the kidnappers and Pivot employees Wole Osinupebi and James Craig, as well as contact with the victoms' wives. It appears the victims are being well looked after. Control Risks Group representative John Walker believes this is sufficient information to establish proof of life for both Graham and Mirrlees. ¶3. (C) The kidnappers are expecting contact from the Rivers State authorities, but the authorities have not yet established contact with the kidnappers. Alhaji Kola Adeshina, Director of the Rivers State Security Service will return to Port Harcourt on January 26. On January 24, we talked wtih Rivers State Governor Odili who stated that government officials had made contact with the kidnappers. ¶3. (C) The British High Commission has spoken to the Nigerian military authorities about the importance of refraining from the use of force to rescue the hostages. A draft release plan has been prepared but not circulated. BROWNE