US embassy cable - 05ABUJA2071

UNCLAS ABUJA 002071 
 
SIPDIS 
 
DOT PLEASE PASS TO FAA 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: EAIR, CASC, ASEC, AMGT, NI, BELLVIEW 
SUBJECT: BELLVIEW CRASH SITE SECURITY 
 
 
1. 1.(SBU) Following reports On October 25 by ConGen Consular 
Reaction Team and others of concerns that security at the 
crash site was limited and that heavy equipment had been 
brought into to start excavation of the crash site crater 
before the arrival of U.S. investigators, Abuja Mission 
members contacted GON officials. The Ambassador spoke to the 
National Security Advisor and the Minister of Civil Aviation, 
Econ, and DAO staff spoke to the Federal Aviation Authority 
of Nigeria (FAAN) and Ministry personnel, and the RSO spoke 
to the Inspector General of Police. 
 
2. (SBU) All officials declared the site was cordoned off and 
promised to beef up security. They did say groups of 
relatives and local villagers were being allowed some access 
to the site, probably under escort. The Minister of Aviation 
said the military as well as police were guarding the site. 
All contacts said no excavation of the crater would begin 
until after U.S investigators arrived.  The FAAN Managing 
Director Shittu said they planned to take them to the site 
the morning of Thursday October 27. All contacts said the 
earthmoving equipment at the site was to grade/improve the 
road providing access to the site. 
 
3. (SBU) A readout from a meeting with Bellview Airline 
officials will be reported septel. 
CAMPBELL