Panic gripped Niamey in the early hours of Saturday after gunshots and explosions were reported around Diori Hamani International Airport and near the presidential palace.
The airport, located about 10km from the palace, hosts an air force base and a major military installation. Attackers targeted the area around 9:18am, according to local reports.
Bana Wagana Ibrahim, a member of Niger’s Bureau of the Consultative Council and AES parliament deputy, confirmed the incident in a Facebook post.
“Another cowardly attack on Base 101 and once again our defence and security forces ensured… Situation under control,” he wrote.
A security source who spoke to Reuters said “terrorists” tried to breach the security perimeter around the presidency. Authorities have not yet confirmed casualties or said who was behind the attack.
This is the third attack on the airport this year. In January, the Islamic State claimed responsibility. Then in June, gunmen killed 11 security personnel and 2 civilians. Officials said 22 attackers were killed in that assault, with 20 suspects arrested and weapons recovered.
Niger has been under military rule since July 2023, when Gen. Abdourahamane Tchiani ousted President Mohamed Bazoum. Since then, Niger has cut ties with many Western allies and deepened relations with Russia, Mali, and Burkina Faso — all currently led by military governments.
