Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
08ABUJA1338
2008-07-15 08:03:00
CONFIDENTIAL//NOFORN
Embassy Abuja
Cable title:
NIGERIA: ARMY CLAIMS SOMALIA-BOUND BATTALION
how-toVZCZCXRO7043 PP RUEHDU RUEHMR RUEHPA RUEHRN RUEHTRO DE RUEHUJA #1338 1970803 ZNY CCCCC ZZH P 150803Z JUL 08 FM AMEMBASSY ABUJA TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 3339 INFO RUEHZO/AFRICAN UNION COLLECTIVE RUEHZK/ECOWAS COLLECTIVE RUEHYD/AMEMBASSY YAOUNDE 0303 RUEHOS/AMCONSUL LAGOS 9573 RHMFISS/HQ USAFRICOM STUTTGART GE RHEBAAA/DEPT OF ENERGY WASHDC RHEHNSC/NSC WASHINGTON DC RUEAIIA/CIA WASHINGTON DC RUEKDIA/DIA WASHDC RHMFISS/HQ USEUCOM VAIHINGEN GE RUZEJAA/JAC MOLESWORTH RAF MOLESWORTH UK
C O N F I D E N T I A L ABUJA 001338
NOFORN
SIPDIS
STATE FOR AF/W, AF/RSA, PM
DOE FOR GEORGE PERSON
E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/14/2018
TAGS: KPKO PGOV MOPS MASS MARR SO NI
SUBJECT: NIGERIA: ARMY CLAIMS SOMALIA-BOUND BATTALION
NEARLY READY
REF: A. ABUJA 64
B. 07 ABUJA 1320
Classified By: Political Counselor Walter Pflaumer for reasons 1.4. (b
& d).
C O N F I D E N T I A L ABUJA 001338
NOFORN
SIPDIS
STATE FOR AF/W, AF/RSA, PM
DOE FOR GEORGE PERSON
E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/14/2018
TAGS: KPKO PGOV MOPS MASS MARR SO NI
SUBJECT: NIGERIA: ARMY CLAIMS SOMALIA-BOUND BATTALION
NEARLY READY
REF: A. ABUJA 64
B. 07 ABUJA 1320
Classified By: Political Counselor Walter Pflaumer for reasons 1.4. (b
& d).
1. (C) SUMMARY: The GON has publicly stated that their
long-promised AMISOM peacekeeping battalion is ready for
deployment. In a June 25, 2008 report by Reuters, Nigerian
Army spokesman Brigadier General Emeka Onwuamaegbu not only
said that an 800-strong battalion was ready to deploy, but
that Nigeria had "the capacity to (send) more than one if the
government decides that is what they want." Privately, the
GON has told Post that the unit would be deployment-ready 60
days after the receipt of $3 million in USG-supplied
equipment. A best-case scenario could see Nigerians
in-country by November or December. END SUMMARY.
2. (C) Brigadier General Onwuamaegbu's statement announced
GON readiness of an 800-man battalion to deploy to Somalia,
and highlighted that the Nigerian armed forces stood prepared
to send more troops if directed to do so by the GON. In
private meetings Nigerian Defense officials have told Post
that the Somalia peacekeeping unit will be deployment-ready
60 days after they receive $3 million worth of equipment
which the USG has promised to provide.
3. (C) Comment: Given that the Department has said it will
need at least two months to deliver the promised goods, the
earliest that Nigerian peacekeepers would be ready to deploy
to Somalia is November or December. A November date would
depend on not only the Nigerians keeping to their 60-day
promise, but also the USG-supplied equipment being delivered
by air, which per the Department would use up a significant
portion of the $3 million. Delivery by sea would take
approximately a month longer, but would cost considerably
less. Post will continue to monitor the status of Nigeria's
AMISOM-bound troops and will keep Department notified of
developments. End comment.
SANDERS
NOFORN
SIPDIS
STATE FOR AF/W, AF/RSA, PM
DOE FOR GEORGE PERSON
E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/14/2018
TAGS: KPKO PGOV MOPS MASS MARR SO NI
SUBJECT: NIGERIA: ARMY CLAIMS SOMALIA-BOUND BATTALION
NEARLY READY
REF: A. ABUJA 64
B. 07 ABUJA 1320
Classified By: Political Counselor Walter Pflaumer for reasons 1.4. (b
& d).
1. (C) SUMMARY: The GON has publicly stated that their
long-promised AMISOM peacekeeping battalion is ready for
deployment. In a June 25, 2008 report by Reuters, Nigerian
Army spokesman Brigadier General Emeka Onwuamaegbu not only
said that an 800-strong battalion was ready to deploy, but
that Nigeria had "the capacity to (send) more than one if the
government decides that is what they want." Privately, the
GON has told Post that the unit would be deployment-ready 60
days after the receipt of $3 million in USG-supplied
equipment. A best-case scenario could see Nigerians
in-country by November or December. END SUMMARY.
2. (C) Brigadier General Onwuamaegbu's statement announced
GON readiness of an 800-man battalion to deploy to Somalia,
and highlighted that the Nigerian armed forces stood prepared
to send more troops if directed to do so by the GON. In
private meetings Nigerian Defense officials have told Post
that the Somalia peacekeeping unit will be deployment-ready
60 days after they receive $3 million worth of equipment
which the USG has promised to provide.
3. (C) Comment: Given that the Department has said it will
need at least two months to deliver the promised goods, the
earliest that Nigerian peacekeepers would be ready to deploy
to Somalia is November or December. A November date would
depend on not only the Nigerians keeping to their 60-day
promise, but also the USG-supplied equipment being delivered
by air, which per the Department would use up a significant
portion of the $3 million. Delivery by sea would take
approximately a month longer, but would cost considerably
less. Post will continue to monitor the status of Nigeria's
AMISOM-bound troops and will keep Department notified of
developments. End comment.
SANDERS