Heavy security was deployed around Niamey’s Diori Hamani International Airport on Thursday following overnight gunfire and explosions that sparked fears of a possible jihadist attack. The ruling military junta, led by Abdourahamane Tiani, remained tight-lipped about the incident.
Residents near the airport reported hearing the first shots shortly after midnight. Calm reportedly returned about an hour later, but the cause of the gunfire and detonations remains unclear. No jihadist group has claimed responsibility. Videos captured by locals showed streaks of light in the night sky, loud explosions, towering flames, and charred vehicles, creating a scene of chaos near the capital’s main air hub.
The airport, which also houses a Nigerien air force base, lies roughly ten kilometres from the presidential palace, making it a strategically sensitive location. By midday Thursday, no official statements had been issued, and there were no confirmed reports of casualties or property damage. However, a heavy security presence blocked access to the airport perimeter and the military base, while much of Niamey went about daily life as usual.
Residents described the tense moments. “We started hearing shots and at first thought it was just firecrackers,” said Ibrahim Boubacar, head of a youth collective living nearby. “Then it sounded like heavy weapons fire, mortars. We told ourselves it really was a terrorist attack.” Satellite imagery showed areas of scorched earth near the runway, heightening suspicions of a coordinated strike.
Observers suggest the attack may have been carried out by jihadist groups linked to Al-Qaeda or the Islamic State, which have been active across Niger, especially near the capital. The West African journalists’ group Wamaps described the incident as a “large-scale terrorist attack involving drones, mortars, and attackers on motorbikes,” hinting at possible IS involvement. The group also claimed that Russian mercenaries assisted in repelling the attack, a report echoed by the Russian military news blog Rybar.
Analysts note that the airport is a highly strategic location. It hosts the headquarters of a joint force established by Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali to combat regional jihadist violence. The air hub also accommodates a Nigerien air force base, a drone facility, and approximately 300 Italian troops. Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali—each governed by military juntas—have created the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) and announced a 5,000-strong joint force for military operations against extremist groups.
Security experts caution that tensions remain high, with warnings of potential attacks circulating in recent days. Beverly Ochieng, an analyst at Control Risks, noted that while the immediate threat is unclear, the airport’s strategic role makes it a likely target for militant groups.
The incident underscores the ongoing challenges Niger faces as it navigates both internal instability and regional threats, balancing military partnerships and security measures amid a volatile Sahelian landscape.
