In Niamey, Niger’s capital, anxiety grew on Saturday morning following intense gunfire and explosions heard throughout the city.
The unrest centered around Diori Hamani International Airport, which includes a crucial military site, Base 101. Gunfire near the presidential palace added to concerns over the capital’s security.
Residents described a night filled with gunfire exchanges and explosions from various areas of the city.
According to a Reuters security source, assailants targeted the airport and attempted to bypass security at the presidential site. The attackers were labeled as terrorists, but this has not been independently confirmed.
Key Military Base Under Attack
The primary focus was on Base 101, a strategic military point within the airport’s grounds.
Bana Wagana Ibrahim, part of Niger’s Consultative Council and the Alliance of Sahel States parliament, stated that security forces successfully regained control of the base. He confirmed the attack and noted that the situation was now stable.
Another security source mentioned that search operations were underway following the attack, with some attackers reportedly neutralized while others escaped. Reuters couldn’t independently verify these claims.
Deployment of Armoured Vehicles
During the turmoil, armoured military vehicles were dispatched around the airport and other critical spots in Niamey.
The incident disrupted Niger’s national television service, which went off air due to the unrest, as reported by residents through AFP.
Official casualty numbers have not been disclosed, nor have details about the attackers’ identities or numbers.
Growing Security Concerns
This event adds to Niger’s ongoing security challenges after a military coup in 2023.
The broader Sahel region combats threats from armed groups connected to jihadist factions, and Niger’s military leaders have vowed to bolster security and safeguard key national sites.
Diori Hamani International Airport has faced prior security threats this year, making Saturday’s events a significant test for those tasked with securing the capital.
For Niamey’s residents, the loud disruptions of gunfire and blasts during the night have heightened anxiety regarding the country’s precarious security state.
As security operations continue, locals are advised to remain watchful and refrain from spreading unverified information as authorities work to clarify the event’s details, casualties, and those involved. More information is anticipated as Nigerien officials provide updates.
