US embassy cable - 01ABUJA1622

UNCLAS ABUJA 001622 
 
SIPDIS 
 
 
DEPT FOR: DS/DSS, DS/OP/AF AND AF/EX 
 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: ASEC, NI 
SUBJECT:  ROBBERY OF LOCAL RESIDENCE IN CLOSE PROXIMITY 
EMBASSY HOUSING COMPOUNDS. 
 
 
1. (U) On Sunday, July 8, 2001 at approximately 2000 
hours a local residence belonging to a private Nigerian 
citizen was the victim of a home invasion type robbery. 
The residence is located adjacent (across a street) from 
one 2-unit Embassy housing compound, and two doors down the 
street from another 3-unit Embassy housing compound. 
 
 
2. (U) The owner of the residence arrived home to find 
personal belongings scattered on the floor throughout the 
residence.  Further search of the compound by the owner 
uncovered two acquaintances and a security guard had been 
locked up in the domestic quarters located at the rear of 
the compound. The two acquaintances and security guard 
reported a group of five male individuals armed with four 
locally made pistols had forced their way into the compound 
while the gate was opened to allow a vehicle out.  The 
robbers forced all persons in the residence into the 
domestic quarters, locking them in one of the rooms. 
During the course of the robbery, the robbers severed the 
residence  telephone lines.  The robbers stole electronic 
items, jewelry and money (NFI), before fleeing the 
compound. 
 
 
3. (U) The local guards posted at the adjacent Embassy 
residential compound, reported the robbers headed across 
the street towards their location.  The Embassy guards, 
aware of the incident, had already secured their gate and 
radioed the Local Guard Force Mobile Patrol vehicle for 
assistance.  Upon seeing the Embassy  local guard force 
mobile patrol vehicle arriving on scene, the robbers 
changed direction and fled into the nearby bush 
(undeveloped land). 
 
 
4. (U) Local police sources advise they have apprehended 
the robbers based on information provided to them by a 
confidential source at the robbers' residence outside of 
 
SIPDIS 
town.  Police investigation revealed the robbers' get-away 
vehicle was parked on a 4-lane divided highway located a 
short distance from the residences through the bush. The 
police apprehended a gang of nine robbers, who have a 
history of committing violent home invasion robberies and 
car-jackings. 
 
 
5. (U) The RSO commended the Embassy  local guard force 
for a job well done, their keen observation and quick 
action surely prevented an Embassy residential compound 
from being targeted by the robbers.  All members of the 
Embassy  local guard force were reminded of the importance 
of being vigilant while on duty, and instructed regarding 
the proper procedures for addressing a criminal threat. 
 
 
6. (U) Direct any questions regarding this matter to 
Michael E. Bishop, RSO, U.S. Embassy Abuja, Nigeria at 234- 
9-523-0960. 
 
 
Jeter