US embassy cable - 05ABUJA1164

UNCLAS ABUJA 001164 
 
SIPDIS 
 
SENSITIVE 
 
DEPT FOR DS/IP/ITA, DS/ICI/PII, DS/DSS/CC, DS/IP/OPO 
AND DS/IP/AF 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: ASEC, PTER, NI, CRIME 
SUBJECT: ARMED ROBBERY AT HOUSING COMPOUND ADJACENT TO 
EMBASSY HOUSING COMPOUNDS 
 
1. SUMMARY: On June 26, 2005 at about 0300 hours, a 
private apartment was robbed by ten robbers.  The 
residence is located adjacent to two of the Embassy 
Housing Compounds. End Summary. 
 
2. DETAILS: On June 26, 2005 at about 0300 hours, a 
private residence located next to Malibu and Newport 
Housing Compounds was robbed by approximately ten 
robbers.  Further investigation revealed that the 
robbers gained access into the residence by entering 
another adjacent compound that is still under 
conduction and unoccupied.  According to eyewitnesses, 
the robbers broke into one of the containers at the 
construction site and removed a shovel, knife, and iron 
bar and used these items to attack the security guard 
and housekeeper of the building in question.  The 
robbers then used a ladder that was on site and climbed 
over the fence to the compound.  The robbers tied up 
the Security Guard and locked him up inside the 
security guard room.  The Security Guard was asleep at 
the time of the incident.  The robbers then proceeded 
into the servant's quarters, beat up the housekeeper 
and demanded the key to the main building.  According 
to the housekeeper, the robbers gained access into the 
main building and took three GSM cell phones, various 
articles of clothing, shoes and approximately six 
thousand naira ($45 USD) from the housekeeper.  The 
owner of the building is currently in London. 
 
3.  During the incident, Malibu Compound guards were 
alerted by the Security Guard at the construction site. 
The Malibu Guards alerted the Embassy and requested 
assistance.  Two Embassy REACT vehicles responded to 
the scene.  Upon arrival it was discovered that the 
robbers had fled the scene. 
 
4.  The investigation is ongoing. 
 
5.  A/RSO briefed the local guard force as well as 
assigned police officers to remain vigilant and awake. 
A/RSO Abuja advises there have been no reports of pre- 
operational surveillance conducted on the apartment in 
question.  Based on the information received the 
incident appears to be a crime of opportunity. 
 
6.  A/RSO Abuja will report any future developments via 
SEPTEL. 
 
CAMPBELL