Gunfire, Explosions Rock Niger Capital As Attackers Target Airport, Presidency

Heavy gunfire and explosions rocked Niger’s capital Niamey early Saturday, with attackers targeting the international airport and a major military base while attempting to breach the security perimeter around the presidential palace, according to witnesses and security sources.

Sustained shooting began shortly after midnight around Diori Hamani International Airport, which houses Base 101, a major military installation. Gunfire was also reported in the Plateau administrative district, where the presidential palace and key government institutions are located.

A security source told Reuters that “terrorists” attacked the airport and attempted to enter the presidential complex. Another source said security forces had launched search operations and that some attackers had been “neutralised”, while others fled. A Nigerien lawmaker, Bana Wagana Ibrahim, said security forces had regained control of Base 101 and described the incident as another “cowardly attack.”

Other reports suggested the attackers could have been mutinous soldiers or insurgents within the armed forces, rather than jihadist militants. Niger’s presidential guard reportedly repelled an attempt to enter the presidential palace, while the state television signal was temporarily disrupted before being restored. The conflicting accounts could not immediately be independently verified.

Niger’s ruling military council, the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland, said defence and security forces had been mobilised and urged people to remain calm, united and vigilant. Authorities have not released an official casualty figure.

The unrest marks at least the third major security incident around Niamey airport this year. The facility was attacked by jihadists in January and again in June. The January assault was claimed by Islamic State in the Sahel, while the June attack was attributed to its rival, the al Qaeda linked Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims.

The latest violence comes as Niger continues to struggle with a long running jihadist insurgency. The country has been ruled by a military junta since a July 2023 coup that ousted President Mohamed Bazoum.

General Abdourahamane Tiani’s government has since distanced Niger from Western allies, strengthened ties with Russia and joined Mali and Burkina Faso in the Alliance of Sahel States. All three military led countries continue to face attacks from groups linked to al Qaeda and Islamic State despite pledges to restore security.