US embassy cable - 01ABUJA1966

UNCLAS ABUJA 001966 
 
SIPDIS 
 
 
DEPT FOR: DS/DSS, DS/OP/AF AND AF/EX 
 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: ASEC, NI 
SUBJECT:  ARMED ROBBERY OF A DIPLOMATIC COMPOUND IN CLOSE 
PROXIMITY TO EMBASSY RESIDENTIAL COMPOUND. 
 
 
1. (U) On Tuesday, August 7, 2001 at approximately 2030 
hours armed robbers attacked a residential compound 
belonging to the Embassy of Sudan. This compound is in 
close proximity to the official residence of the Inspector 
General of the Nigeria Police Force, and two residential 
locations belonging to the U.S. Embassy. 
 
 
2. (U) Police reports state approximately 15 robbers 
armed with locally made pistols entered the compound 
through the front gate (the gate was open), and took the 
one guard on duty hostage.  The robbers forced their way 
into the residence, and proceeded to rob the occupant, a 
Sudanese diplomat.  During the course of the robbery, one 
of the robbers struck the Sudanese diplomat on the head 
with a pistol. The Sudanese diplomat suffered a minor cut 
as result of the assault.  The robbers fled the compound, 
after stealing 100 USD, some small items of jewelry and 
95,000 Naira local currency (approximately 850 USD). 
 
 
3. (U) After leaving the Sudanese Embassy residential 
compound, the robbers proceeded directly to another 
residence in the same area belonging to a Nigerian citizen. 
The robbers forced their way into this compound, and stole 
a Honda Prelude sedan. 
 
 
4. (U) Security at both the Sudanese Embassy and the 
private Nigerian residential compounds was poor.  Guards at 
these two compounds are not professionally trained, and 
they often leave gates open.  The RSO has briefed all 
Mission Security Force personnel regarding this incident, 
stressing the importance of keeping compound gates secured 
at all times.  Mobile patrol supervisors and surveillance 
detection personnel were reminded to be alert for any 
unusual activities and suspicious persons in the vicinity 
of Embassy locations. 
 
 
5. Direct any questions regarding this matter to Michael 
E. Bishop, RSO, U.S. Embassy, Abuja at 234-9-523-0960.