Niger Restores Calm After Heavy Gunfire Near Niamey Airport
Recent events in Niger have drawn significant attention, particularly due to heavy gunfire reported near Niamey Airport. Fighting erupted shortly after midnight local time, prompting concerns among residents in the vicinity. By 2 AM, calm had reportedly returned, but the situation remains tense.
Niger’s Military Leadership and Security Context
Niger is currently under military rule led by General Abdourahamane Tiani. He took power after ousting elected President Mohamed Bazoum on July 26, 2023. The nation is grappling with recurrent jihadist violence, affecting its western regions.
Incident Details at Niamey Airport
The International Diori Hamani Airport, located about 10 kilometers from Niger’s presidential palace, serves multiple functions. It hosts a Nigerien Air Force base and a recently constructed drone facility. This airport is also the headquarters for the unified force established by Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali to combat jihadist groups.
Eyewitness footage from the airport area featured streaks of light in the night sky, suggesting possible anti-aircraft defense operations. Reports of tall flames and burned vehicles have also surfaced. However, there were no immediate casualty reports available.
Aftermath and Public Reaction
- Supporters of the military regime urged citizens to rally in defense of the nation.
- Siren sounds from fire trucks were noted as they headed toward the airport.
- A passenger flight from Algiers was diverted to Burkina Faso due to the ongoing situation.
The airport is currently storing a significant quantity of uranium, which is awaiting export. This highlights Niger’s status as a producer of the valuable mineral.
Regional Jihadist Threats
Niger, along with its neighbors Mali and Burkina Faso, faces an escalating threat from jihadist violence. Reports indicate that almost 2,000 deaths occurred in Niger in 2025 due to these conflicts.
Adding to the complexity, the nation is also under threat from attacks by Boko Haram and the Islamic State in West Africa (Iswap), particularly in the southeast region. The trio of countries continues to pursue a sovereignty-focused approach, distancing themselves from France, their former colonial ruler.
Joint Efforts Against Extremism
The three nations have formed the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) and are working on a joint task force comprising 5,000 personnel to combat extremist groups linked to Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State.
As the security situation evolves, Niger remains a focal point for jihadist activities in the region. The ongoing violence poses serious challenges to stability and governance.
