Gunfire erupts in Niger capital as attackers target airport, presidency

Heavy gunfire and explosions were reported across several parts of Niger’s capital, Niamey, early on Saturday, with attackers targeting the international airport and attempting to breach the security perimeter around the presidency.

A security source said “terrorists” had attacked Diori Hamani International Airport and attempted to enter the area around the presidential palace, Caliber.Az reports per foreign media.

Bana Wagana Ibrahim, a member of Niger’s Bureau of the Consultative Council and a deputy in the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) Parliament, said attackers had also targeted Base 101, a major military installation in the capital. He said security forces had regained control of the base.

A second security source said security forces had launched search operations and that some attackers had been “neutralised”, while others had fled. Reuters said it could not independently verify the claims.

A Reuters witness reported heavy and persistent gunfire around the presidential palace, while gunfire was heard again near the international airport at about 02:13 GMT.

Niger’s military government had not immediately commented on the reports.

The country has been ruled by the military since a July 2023 coup that ousted President Mohamed Bazoum. The government led by General Abdourahamane Tiani has moved away from Western partners, strengthened ties with Russia and joined Mali and Burkina Faso in the AES.

The three countries continue to face Islamist insurgencies linked to al-Qaeda and Islamic State, despite promises by their military governments to improve security.

Niger is also a major producer of uranium, as well as having significant oil and gold resources. Its military government has tightened control over the uranium sector and seized assets belonging to French company Orano. Last week, former Orano and GoviEx uranium permits were reassigned to state-backed companies.

Deadly attacks in Niger earlier this year killed at least 44 civilians in the south-west in March, while an assault was also reported near Niamey’s international airport in January.

By Aghakazim Guliyev