Nuclear Security

Context & challenges

Nuclear security in Niger

Niger, Africa's leading uranium producer, is particularly exposed to the risks of illicit trafficking of nuclear materials and facility sabotage. Nuclear security is therefore a national priority and an international security issue.

ARSN is the national competent authority for nuclear and radiological security. It develops and implements the physical protection regulatory framework, coordinates actors and cooperates with the IAEA and international partners.

Regulated threats

Theft of nuclear materials

Enriched uranium, sealed radioactive sources

Facility sabotage

Mines, laboratories, medical equipment

Illicit trafficking

Unauthorised transport of radioactive materials

Dispersal device

"Dirty bomb" — terrorist threat

Cyber attack

Nuclear facility control systems

Insider threat

Personnel ayant accès non autorisé ou intentions malveillantes

Loi n° 2022-058 Law on nuclear and radiological security in Niger

CPPNM / Amendement 2005 Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material

ICSANT 2005 International Convention for the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism

Résolution CSNU 1540 Non-proliferation obligation to non-state actors

AIEA NSS 13 Physical protection recommendations (INFCIRC/225/Rev.5)

Security architecture

The 4 pillars of nuclear security

In accordance with the IAEA Nuclear Security Framework (Nuclear Security Series), ARSN structures its action around four complementary pillars.

Protective measures for facilities, nuclear materials and radioactive sources against unauthorised access, theft and sabotage.

Secured perimeters and access control
Intrusion detection systems
Incident response procedures
Physical protection plan (PPP)
Security officer training

AIEA NSS 27-G

National capabilities for detecting nuclear and radioactive materials outside regulatory control, and for responding to nuclear security incidents.

Border control points
Portable detection equipment
National coordination centre
Emergency response protocols
Coordination with customs and police

AIEA NSS 18

Protection of computer systems and control systems of nuclear facilities against cyber attacks that could compromise security.

Cyber vulnerability assessment
Operational network segregation
Digital access management
IT continuity plans
Cyber hygiene training

AIEA NSS 42-G

Prevention, detection and response actions against illicit trafficking of nuclear and radioactive materials on Nigerien territory and at its borders.

IAEA ITDB database
Cooperation with Interpol
Uranium mine monitoring
Radioactive source traceability
Nuclear forensics investigations

AIEA NSS 25-G

Regulatory tool

The Design Basis Threat (DBT)

The Design Basis Threat (DBT) is the reference document that describes realistic threats against which nuclear facilities must protect themselves.

Niger's DBT, developed by ARSN in consultation with intelligence and security services, classifies threats by level of plausibility and severity. It is confidential but its existence is public, in accordance with IAEA recommendations.

Malicious insiders

Personnel with legitimate access who pose a threat

External actors

Individuals or groups seeking unauthorised access

Sabotage

Acts aimed at causing radiological consequences

Vol de matières

Theft of nuclear or radioactive materials

CLASSIFIED DOCUMENT

Design Basis Threat

Niger — ARSN

INFCIRC/225/Rev.5

Compliant with IAEA NSS 10 recommendations. Revised every 3 years or following a change in the security context.

National governance

National nuclear security infrastructure

Nuclear security is a shared responsibility among several national institutions, coordinated by ARSN.

ARSN

Autorité de régulation — cadre juridique, licences, inspections, coordination

Security forces

Gendarmerie, Police, National Guard — physical response to incidents

Douanes

Border detection — radiation detection equipment

Intelligence services

Threat monitoring, security context assessment for the DBT

Justice

Criminal prosecution for violations of nuclear legislation

IAEA / Partners

Technical assistance, IPPAS evaluation missions, training and equipment

Training & simulation

Exercises and training

ARSN regularly organises and supervises simulation exercises to test national response capabilities to nuclear security incidents.

Tabletop simulation exercise involving decision-makers and coordinators from different agencies. Tests command chains, notification procedures and decision-making in crisis situations.

Scenarios: illicit trafficking, source theft, sabotage
Participants: ARSN, security, customs, justice
Outcomes: mandatory improvement report

Operational exercise involving real deployment of intervention teams in the field. Tests detection, containment and response capabilities in real conditions.

Deployment of intervention teams
Use of detection equipment
Real-time multi-agency coordination

Continuous training of ARSN officers and security forces in the latest detection, identification and intervention techniques, provided with IAEA support.

IAEA courses on nuclear security
Use of detection equipment
Nuclear forensics investigation

Report an incident

Any nuclear security event must be immediately reported to ARSN and the security forces.

Report now

Security guides

ARSN guides and IAEA NSS on physical protection, detection and nuclear cybersecurity.

Consulter les guides

Regulatory framework

Law No. 2022-058 and implementing regulations on nuclear and radiological security in Niger.

View texts

Contact NSD

Directorate of Nuclear Security — for any question on physical protection and regulation.

Contact the NSD

Security Safety