davidbfpo,

So what did the US 'Trans-Sahara' military assistance package achieve if AQIM were left alone from 2003-2012?
I don't think it achieved much. The Algerians have their methods of fighting terrorists (and I don't think the US changed them one bit).

As for Nigeria, grapevine suggests that they went as far afield as North Korea for advice - North Korean methods are reportedly "easier" to implement and more in tune with Nigerian Army culture.

(S/NF) SUMMARY: Nigeria has continuing military
cooperation with the DPRK, but the Nigerians tell us they are
only talking about missiles to keep the door open for
military aid from the DPRK, and do not intend to procure
missiles or their technology. DPRK VP Yang Hyong-sop is
visiting Nigeria this week for meetings with various Nigerian
leaders, including President Obasanjo, and Nigerian VP Atiku
has been Yang's main host. After Yang's meeting with Atiku
January 28, Atiku's spokesman said various things at
different times to the press about Nigerian interest in
missiles. President Obasanjo's Senior Special Assistant,
Ad'Obe Obe assured the CDA on January 29 that no military
cooperation of any kind was discussed in Obasanjo's meeting
with Yang, and that the GON had no intention of purchasing
missiles or missile technology from the DPRK. We asked the
senior MFA official in-country on January 29, PermSec
Wadibia-Anyanwu, for further information on what transpired,
which she said she would provide. END SUMMARY
If you recall how Sri Lanka dealt with the Tamil Tigers (with Chinese assistance), you'd immediately see where some serious African nations would turn to for advice on how to deal with terrorist issues.