Nighttime Gunfire and Explosions Shake Niger's Capital Following Attacks on Airport and Military Base

Sustained gunfire and explosions erupted across multiple areas of Niger's capital Niamey in the early hours of Saturday, following targeted assaults on the city's international airport and a primary military facility, according to security sources.

While the exact origin of the violence remained uncertain, a security source informed Reuters that "terrorists" had assaulted Diori Hamani International Airport and made an effort to breach the security perimeter surrounding the presidential palace. A witness reported hearing heavy and continuous gunfire near the palace, while shooting flared up again close to the airport at approximately 2am local time.

Bana Ibrahim, a member of Niger's Bureau of the Consultative Council and member of the parliament of the Alliance of Sahel States, stated that attackers had struck Base 101, a prominent military installation located in Niamey. He noted that security forces had successfully reestablished order.

“Another cowardly attack on Base 101 and once again our defence and security forces ensured ... situation under control,” Mr Ibrahim posted on Facebook. Reuters was unable to independently verify these statements.

A second source indicated that security forces had initiated search operations, resulting in some attackers being "neutralised" while others escaped. Niger's military government was not immediately reachable for comment, as reported by Reuters. Online video footage appeared to depict several injured individuals, though officials have yet to publish an official casualty count.

The incident occurs as Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso persist in their struggles against Islamist insurgencies associated with Al Qaeda and ISIS, despite pledges from their military administrations to restore public safety. The military has governed Niger following a July 2023 coup that ousted president Mohamed Bazoum. Gen Abdourahamane Tiani's junta has subsequently severed ties with western partners, deepened relations with Russia, and united with Mali and Burkina Faso to form the Alliance of Sahel States, withdrawing from the West African regional bloc Ecowas.

The nation functions as a major uranium producer and boasts substantial oil and gold reserves. This unrest unfolds amid a mounting conflict surrounding Niger's uranium sector, as the military government intensifies state oversight of mining properties previously managed by foreign corporations. In the preceding week, the government transferred uranium permits formerly held by French nuclear company Orano and Canadian miner GoviEx to state-backed entities.