Muammar Gaddafi's son and one-time heir is now believed to be heading toward the West African nation of Niger, where his brother and dozens of Gaddafi regime members are already hiding.

Rissa ag Boula, an adviser to Niger's president, said he was in touch with the ethnic Tuaregs who are helping guide Saif al-Islam Gaddafi. They were among Gaddafi's strongest supporters and fought to keep him in power.

"If he comes here, the government will accept him, but the government will also need to respect its international obligations. It's up to him to decide (whether to stay on the run or come to Niger)," Mr Boula said.

Saif al-Islam, who is wanted by the International Criminal Court, appeared to be poised to cross into Algeria to make his way to Niger. It would be the same route that his brother al-Saadi Gaddafi and more than 30 other Gaddafi loyalists had used in September.

Niger's government has said that members of the Gaddafi regime seeking refuge in the West African nation will not be turned back to Libya without guarantees for their safety.

Al-Saadi Gaddafi and several others considered key regime figures have been placed under house arrest in Niger's capital in a gated compound. The others are also under surveillance but are allowed to leave their villas, Niger's government said.

Unlike his brother who is already in Niger, Saif al-Islam is one of two surviving regime figures that is wanted by the International Criminal Court for crimes against humanity committed during Libya's protracted battle for power.

Because of its large Tuareg population, Niger was among the last countries to recognise the country's new leaders. Mosques and hotels throughout Niger were built by Gaddafi and he remains deeply popular in the nation, making it a natural sanctuary for fleeing members of his inner circle.