Heavy Gunfire, Explosions Reported Near Niamey Airport as Security Forces Deploy Across Capital

Heavy Gunfire, Explosions Reported Near Niamey Airport as Security Forces Deploy Across Capital

By: Zagazola Makama

Heavy gunfire and explosions were reported around Diori Hamani International Airport in Niamey, Niger’s capital, on Thursday, triggering a major security response and heightened tension across the city.

Multiple security sources said the incident began in the early hours of the day, with sustained gunfire reportedly lasting for more than two hours.

The exact nature of the incident remained unclear as of press time, with authorities yet to issue an official statement on whether it was a terrorist attack, an armed assault on security installations or an attempted counter-coup operation.

Residents in several parts of the capital were advised to remain indoors while security forces moved to contain the situation.

Sources said a security cordon was established around key locations in the city, extending to the Hospital Roundabout, while heavily armed personnel and military equipment were deployed at multiple checkpoints on roads leading to the Presidential Palace.

Witnesses reported an increased presence of security forces across strategic areas of the capital as authorities sought to restore calm and prevent any escalation.

Diori Hamani International Airport, which hosts Air Base 101, is regarded as one of Niger’s most strategic security installations and is located about 10 kilometres from the Presidential Palace.

The facility was previously targeted during an attack attributed to suspected Islamic State Sahel Province (ISSP) and ISWAP fighters on Jan. 28 and 29, 2026.

However, there was no immediate indication that Thursday’s incident was linked to the earlier attack, and no group had claimed responsibility as of the time of filing this report.

Sources said the situation was gradually stabilising, although security operations remained ongoing across the city.

Authorities are expected to provide further details as investigations continue.

Heavy Gunfire, Explosions Reported Near Niamey Airport as Security Forces Deploy Across Capital