Official: Qaddafi's Intelligence Chief in Niger

DAKAR, Senegal (AP) -- An adviser to Niger's president has confirmed that Muammar Qaddafi's intelligence chief has entered the country.

The adviser, who is also an influential leader within the ethnic Tuareg community, said Wednesday that Abdullah al-Senoussi had entered Niger in a convoy piloted by Tuareg drivers.

The official spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter.

He said he had been informed of al-Senoussi's whereabouts from contacts inside the Tuareg community. He said al-Senoussi appears to be attempting to hide near the Niger-Algeria border.

The information was confirmed by Serge Hiltron, owner of Radio Nomad, a radio station operating in Niger's north, a region dominated by the Tuaregs.