Gunfire, blasts heard in several areas of Niger capital Niamey

Gunfire and explosions were reported in several areas of Niger's capital, Niamey, early Saturday, raising concerns about escalating insecurity in the country.

Witnesses in Niamey, including two Reuters reporters, reported sustained gunfire and multiple explosions near the city’s Diori Hamani International Airport and in the vicinity of the presidential palace. The cause of the violence remains unclear at this time.

A security source, speaking to Reuters on condition of anonymity, alleged that "terrorists" had launched an attack targeting the airport and attempted to breach the perimeter of the presidential palace. Another witness told AFP that heavy gunfire and explosions were heard at Base 101, a major military installation in Niamey. Bana Wagana Ibrahim, a member of Niger’s Bureau of the Consultative Council and deputy in the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) parliament, confirmed on Facebook that attackers had targeted Base 101 but stated that security forces had regained control. Reuters has not independently verified these claims.

A second security source told Reuters that security forces had launched search operations, asserting that attackers had been "neutralized" while others fled. The same source described heavy and persistent gunfire around the presidential palace.

Videos circulating on social media showed armored vehicles deployed near the airport, reinforcing security in the area. Niamey’s national television station, Tele Sahel, went off the air shortly after the gunfire began, with its programming replaced by a black screen on both satellite and online platforms by 08:00 GMT. Residents also reported that soldiers had blocked access to the presidential palace and the television headquarters.

The Nigerien military issued a statement urging calm and advising the public to avoid sharing unverified information. It confirmed that defense and security forces had been mobilized in response to the incident.

This marks the third major security incident in Niamey this year involving the airport and military complex. In January, the airport was targeted by an ISIL-affiliated group, the Islamic State in the Sahel. In June, the JNIM, al Qaeda’s Sahel branch, claimed responsibility for another attack on the same location.

Since July 2023, Niger has been governed by a military junta led by General Abdourahamane Tchiani, following a coup that removed President Mohamed Bazoum. The military government has since distanced itself from Western allies, strengthened ties with Russia, and joined Mali and Burkina Faso in forming the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), a bloc that has broken away from the regional Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

The persistent attacks highlight the ongoing security challenges facing Niger despite the military’s pledge to restore order. Further updates on the situation are expected as authorities provide additional information.