Gunfire, Explosions Rock Area Near Niamey Airport as Security Forces Intensify Operations

Heavy gunfire and a series of explosions were reported around Diori Hamani International Airport in Niamey, the capital of Niger, on Thursday, prompting a large-scale security response and raising concerns across the city.

According to multiple security sources, the incident began in the early hours of the morning, with reports indicating that exchanges of gunfire continued for more than two hours.

As of the time of filing this report, authorities had not released an official statement clarifying the nature of the incident. It remains unclear whether the unrest was linked to a terrorist attack, an assault on security facilities, or an attempted military operation.

Residents in several parts of Niamey were urged to remain indoors while security personnel moved to secure affected areas and assess the situation.

Sources disclosed that security agencies established protective cordons around strategic locations in the capital, including the Hospital Roundabout. Armed troops and military hardware were also deployed at various checkpoints leading to the Presidential Palace.

Eyewitnesses reported a heightened security presence across key parts of the city as authorities worked to maintain order and prevent further escalation.

Diori Hamani International Airport, which houses Air Base 101, is one of Niger’s most important security and military installations. The airport is situated approximately 10 kilometres from the Presidential Palace.

The facility was previously targeted during attacks attributed to suspected fighters from the Islamic State Sahel Province (ISSP) and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) on January 28 and 29, 2026.

However, there was no immediate evidence connecting Thursday’s incident to those earlier attacks, and no group had claimed responsibility at the time of reporting.

Security sources indicated that the situation was gradually coming under control, although security operations remained active in several parts of the capital.

Authorities are expected to provide additional information as investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding the incident.