NIAMEY, Niger — Fear and confusion spread across Niger’s capital, Niamey, in the early hours of Saturday after heavy gunfire and explosions were heard in several parts of the city.
The violence was reported around Diori Hamani International Airport, which also houses a major military installation known as Base 101. Gunshots were also heard in the area surrounding the presidential palace, raising concerns about the security situation in the capital.
Witnesses described sustained exchanges of gunfire during the night, while residents reported hearing loud explosions from different parts of the city.
A security source cited by Reuters said attackers had targeted the airport and attempted to breach the security perimeter around the presidency. The source described the assailants as terrorists, although the claim could not immediately be independently verified.
Military Base Targeted
The attack reportedly focused on Base 101, a key military facility located within the airport complex.
Bana Wagana Ibrahim, a member of Niger’s Consultative Council and the Alliance of Sahel States parliament, said security forces had succeeded in regaining control of the military installation.
He described the incident as an attack on the base and said the situation had been brought under control.
A second security source said security personnel had launched search operations after the attack, with some of the attackers reportedly neutralised while others fled the area. Reuters said it could not independently verify all of the claims.
Armoured Vehicles Deployed
Amid the chaos, armoured military vehicles were reportedly deployed around the airport and other strategic locations in Niamey.
The incident also reportedly affected Niger’s national television service, which went off air following the overnight violence, according to local residents cited by AFP.
Authorities have not yet released a confirmed casualty figure, and details surrounding the identity and number of attackers remain unclear.
Security Concerns Grow
The latest incident comes as Niger continues to face serious security challenges following the military takeover of the country in 2023.
The wider Sahel region has been battling attacks by armed groups linked to jihadist organisations, while Niger’s military government has repeatedly pledged to strengthen security and protect strategic national installations.
Diori Hamani International Airport has also experienced security incidents earlier this year, making Saturday’s attack another major challenge for authorities responsible for protecting the capital.
For residents of Niamey, the sound of gunfire and explosions during the night has once again raised fears about the country’s fragile security situation.
As security forces continue their operations, residents are being urged to remain vigilant and avoid spreading unverified information while authorities work to establish exactly what happened.
More details are expected as Nigerien authorities provide further information on the incident, casualties and those responsible.
