Cablegate: Bellview Crash Site Security

This record is a partial extract of the original cable. The full text of the original cable is not available.

261712Z Oct 05

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

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