Country Reports on Terrorism 2012

On September 24, Arab Maghreb Union Ministers of Islamic Affairs opened a two-day meeting
in Nouakchott to discuss the role of Sunni Islam in promoting tolerance and moderation. The
conference’s theme was the creation of a unified strategy to counter violent extremism and
terrorism “perpetrated under the label of Islam.” After a meeting with President Aziz on the
margins of the event, Libyan Minister of Religious Affairs, Hamza Abul Fariss, declared that the
five countries decided to create a new TV channel with the goal of presenting “the real moderate
and tolerant image of Islam.”
The government also continued to broadcast a state-sponsored Quranic radio station and
sponsored regular TV programming on themes of moderation in Islam. On July 23, the
government announced the recruitment of 300 moderate imams, bringing the total number to
800.
NIGER
Overview: Al-Qa'ida in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) and other terrorist organizations were able
to operate within undergoverned spaces in Nigerien territory, in particular the border areas with
Libya, Algeria, and Mali. Porous borders and the huge expanse of Niger that lacks a permanent
government presence provided terrorist groups with an environment conducive to recruiting,
contraband smuggling, and kidnapping. Arms from Libya, including heavy weapons, have been
trafficked into and through Niger, despite the government’s efforts to disarm mercenaries of the
former regime of Muammar Qadhafi.
Historic tensions with Tuareg rebel groups, traditionally associated with cross-Sahara smuggling
in northern Niger, contributed to the potential establishment of a breeding ground for future
terrorists, as limited job opportunities for former rebels and returnees from Libya may provide
recruits. Niger was fully engaged in preparations to participate in military intervention against
terrorist groups in northern Mali under the aegis of the Economic Community of West African
States (ECOWAS), of which it is a member. Niger also continued its counterterrorism
cooperation with other regional partners and organizations.
The presence of the violent extremist group Boko Haram (BH) in northern Nigeria, just across
Niger’s southern border, posed a threat – BH members have been arrested inside Niger. The
Government of Niger is committed to fighting AQIM and BH, but needs and welcomes external
support and greater regional cooperation. The United States significantly increased its
counterterrorism cooperation with Niger in 2012. U.S. Army personnel executed five separate
training events with Nigerien Army forces in Tillia, Arlit, Dirkou, and Diffa.
Niger took delivery of base radio stations, personnel protective gear, vehicle fuel, and Global
Positioning System devices. In addition, over 150 Nigerien law enforcement and security forces
received five Antiterrorism Assistance training courses and other training opportunities. Topics
included joint terrorism task force operations, forensics, preventing attacks on soft targets,
Critical Response Team Operations, and respect for human rights. Regional Security Initiative
and MANPADS funding provided equipment including 4x4 pickup trucks, motorcycles,
computers, and other items.
2012 Terrorist Incidents: Incidents included:
25