Explosions and sustained gunfire were reported early Thursday at the airport and military airbase in Niamey, Niger’s capital, in what security sources described as an apparent attack on the facility.
Witnesses said the first explosions occurred around 6:00 a.m. local time, followed by intermittent gunfire that lasted for nearly two hours. Security forces subsequently cordoned off the area as operations were launched to contain the situation.
Authorities have yet to confirm the nature of the attack, while no group has claimed responsibility. Government officials had not issued an official statement as of the time of filing this report.
The incident comes months after an affiliate of the Islamic State group claimed responsibility for a January attack on the same airport and military installation. The group had said it targeted air command facilities and drone assets used in counterinsurgency operations.
Niger continues to face persistent security threats from armed groups linked to Islamic State and al-Qaeda, alongside neighbouring Mali and Burkina Faso. The violence has claimed thousands of lives and displaced millions across the Sahel region.
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According to eyewitness accounts, Thursday’s attack triggered panic around the airport area as security personnel moved swiftly to secure the facility and prevent further damage.
Following the January assault, Niger’s Defence Ministry disclosed that attackers arrived on motorcycles but were repelled by security forces. Four soldiers were reportedly injured during the operation.
The ministry also reported material losses, including ammunition destroyed in a fire and damage to several civilian aircraft.
Niger’s military leader, Abdourahamane Tiani, later accused the governments of France, Benin and Côte d’Ivoire of supporting the January attack, although no evidence was publicly presented to substantiate the allegations.
Security agencies have not yet released casualty figures or details of any arrests in connection with Thursday’s incident. Investigations are ongoing.
