Tension gripped Niamey, the capital of Niger, after heavy gunfire and explosions were reported near the city’s main airport and adjoining military facilities on Thursday morning. Residents said the shooting began around the airport entrance and continued for several hours, prompting a major security response.
The incident occurred around Diori Hamani International Airport, a strategic facility that also hosts military installations and the headquarters of the joint force formed by Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso. Security forces sealed off the area and placed personnel on maximum alert as they responded to the attack.
Later on Thursday, Niger’s government confirmed that the assault targeted the airport and a nearby military airbase. Authorities said 11 members of the security forces and two civilians were killed, while 22 attackers were neutralised during the confrontation. No group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack.
Officials also disclosed that 20 suspects were arrested and weapons were recovered. Despite the violence, airport operations reportedly resumed later in the day after security forces regained control of the area.
The attack comes just months after a similar assault on the same airport, highlighting the persistent security challenges facing Niger and the wider Sahel region amid ongoing insurgent activities
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