A reported Niamey airport attack triggered sustained gunfire and explosions across parts of Niger’s capital early Saturday, according to Reuters witnesses and security sources.
The cause of the violence was not immediately clear. However, a security source said attackers targeted Diori Hamani International Airport and also tried to breach the security perimeter around the presidency.
One Reuters witness reported heavy gunfire near the presidential area. Explosions also shook parts of Niamey during the early hours of Saturday.
The incident marks another major security scare in the capital. It is the third time this year that the airport complex and nearby military facilities have faced serious unrest.
Attackers Reportedly Targeted Base 101
Bana Wagana Ibrahim, a member of Niger’s Consultative Council and a deputy in the Alliance of Sahel States Parliament, said attackers had also targeted the military airbase known as Base 101.
He said security forces later regained control of the situation.
“Another cowardly attack on Base 101 and once again our defence and security forces ensured … Situation under control,” Ibrahim wrote in a Facebook post.
Despite that claim, a Reuters witness later reported more gunfire near the airport. Heavy explosions were also heard before dawn.
Another security source said Nigerien forces launched operations against the attackers. The source claimed security personnel killed some of them, while others fled the area.
Reuters said it could not independently verify the accounts from the security sources or Ibrahim. Niger’s military authorities did not immediately comment on the reported attacks.
Niger Continues to Face Security Threats
Niger has remained under military rule since a July 2023 coup that removed President Mohamed Bazoum from power.
The country’s military leaders promised to restore security. Yet Niger continues to face attacks from armed groups linked to al-Qaeda and the Islamic State.
Burkina Faso and Mali face similar security challenges. The three military-led countries now form the Alliance of Sahel States, also known as the AES.
An al-Qaeda affiliate claimed responsibility for an attack on Niamey’s airport in June. Islamic State Sahel Province had targeted the same site about five months earlier.
The latest Niamey airport attack highlights the continuing security pressure on Niger’s military government.
Niger Tightens Control Over Uranium Sector
The unrest comes as Niger takes greater control of its important uranium industry.
The country holds significant uranium, oil and gold resources. It has also played an important role in supplying uranium for nuclear energy.
Authorities recently took control of assets linked to French nuclear fuel company Orano. Niger’s government also moved to reallocate former Orano and GoviEx uranium permits to state-backed companies.
The decisions reflect the junta’s wider shift away from Western partners.
Since taking power, General Abdourahamane Tiani’s government has strengthened relations with Russia. Niger has also broken with the ECOWAS regional bloc alongside Mali and Burkina Faso.
Security operations continued in Niamey following the reported violence. Authorities had not provided a full official account of the incident at the time of reporting.
