RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany -- Air Force Office of Special Investigations 25th Expeditionary Field Investigations Squadron conducted the first-ever Defense Threat Assessment Methodology Seminar engagements in Niger during December 2017.
“The seminar was a fantastic opportunity to work side-by-side with our partners from the Nigerien Armed Forces,” said Special Agent Mike Cruz, Expeditionary Detachment 2504 commander. “It allowed the sharing of information between Nigerien and American security elements, which resulted in a more robust relationship and security environment in Agadez.”
From Dec. 11-14, agents worked with the Nigerien National Police, the Nigerien Gendarmerie, and the Nigerien Armed Forces (FAN) in the capital city of Niamey. Thirty Nigerien attendees, four OSI members from Expeditionary Detachment 2503, and two SAs from 25 EFIS discussed best practices to conduct threat assessments and learned how to frame recommendations for senior leaders.
Discussion focused on the best means to counter terrorist, intelligence and criminal threats to facilities, equipment and personnel. Participants learned about the importance of interagency partnership and cooperation, and examined case studies of previous attacks. Lessons learned were then applied to the operational environment in Niamey through a real-world threat assessment.
Fast forward to Dec. 19-22, when agents from 25 EFIS traveled to assist the team at EDet 2504 in Agadez, Niger. Together with 13 FAN personnel, SAs discussed the most likely and most dangerous enemy courses of action based on historical data, to come up with means to mitigate future attacks. Local FAN leadership was extremely grateful for the engagement, especially as their personnel must normally travel to Niamey for any courses or training events.
Nigerien counterparts in Niamey and Agadez were eager for the next engagement with AFOSI. In 2018 a Law Enforcement Investigative Skills Exchange Program is scheduled with EDet 2503 and a Security Exchange Seminar is scheduled with EDet 2504.
These engagements help bolster relationships with Nigerien counterparts and will aid in the shared fight against criminal elements and violent extremist organizations.