- Sustained gunfire and explosions rang out across several areas of Niger’s capital, Niamey, starting at about 1am local time and continuing until daybreak, according to two Reuters witnesses.
- Sporadic small arms fire was heard in west Niamey at about 5am, indicating ongoing unrest in the city.
- Gunfire and explosions were reported around Base 101 and the presidential palace, with local residents confirming heavy activity in these areas.
- A security source reported that 'terrorists' attacked the Diori Hamani international airport and attempted to breach the security perimeter around the presidential palace.
- Niger's national television (Tele Sahel) was cut off, displaying a black screen at 08:00 GMT following the overnight gunfire.
- Soldiers blocked access to the presidential palace and the national television headquarters, as reported by local residents.
- Bana Wagana Ibrahim, a member of Niger’s Bureau of the Consultative Council, stated that attackers targeted Base 101 but that security forces had regained control.
- A second security source indicated that the attackers were 'neutralised' and that search operations were launched.
- The Nigerien military urged people to remain calm and avoid sharing unverified information, stating that its defence and security forces had been mobilised.
- This incident is the third major unrest in Niamey this year, highlighting ongoing insecurity under the military-led government that took power in a coup in 2023.
- Niamey airport has been targeted twice this year by armed groups, first by ISIL affiliate Islamic State in the Sahel in January and then in June.
Gunfire and explosions rocked Niger's capital, Niamey, early Saturday, with reports indicating attacks near the Diori Hamani international airport and Base 101, a major military installation. Witnesses described heavy gunfire and explosions, with the first shots heard around 1am local time.3
A security source confirmed that terrorists targeted the airport and attempted to breach the presidential palace's security perimeter. However, local officials, including Bana Wagana Ibrahim, a member of Niger's Bureau of the Consultative Council, stated that security forces regained control of the situation, declaring it under control.7
The Nigerien military urged residents to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information, emphasizing that their defense and security forces had been mobilized. This incident marks the third major unrest in Niamey this year, highlighting ongoing insecurity under the military-led government that took power in a coup in 2023.910
In previous attacks, including one in January, twenty assailants were killed and four soldiers wounded, while a June assault resulted in at least 11 soldiers and two civilians killed. Both attacks were repelled by the army, but the frequency of such incidents raises concerns about the stability of the region.6
The national television service was also cut off following the unrest, with reports of soldiers blocking access to key government buildings. Videos shared online showed armored vehicles deployed to reinforce security in the area.
“The attack on Base 101 marks the third major unrest this year at the airport complex, which was previously hit in January by Islamic State in the Sahel and in June by another jihadist group. A local resident reported heavy gunfire at Base 101, and national television was cut off, with soldiers blocking access to key sites.”
