Heavy gunfire and explosions rocked Niger’s capital Niamey early on Saturday, August 29, after attackers targeted the city’s international airport and a major military installation, triggering a security operation across key areas of the capital.
Sustained shooting was reported around Diori Hamani International Airport, while explosions and gunfire were also heard near the presidential district.
According to security sources, attackers targeted the airport and attempted to breach the security perimeter surrounding the presidency.
The violence also reached Base 101, a major military installation located near the airport. Bana Wagana Ibrahim, a member of Niger’s Consultative Council and the parliament of the Alliance of Sahel States, said the military base had come under attack.
He later said Nigerien defence and security forces had regained control of the situation.
Security personnel subsequently launched search operations across the affected areas. A security source said some attackers had been neutralised while others fled, although these claims had not been independently confirmed at the time of reporting.
Gunfire reportedly began during the early hours of Saturday and continued for several hours, with residents in different parts of Niamey reporting explosions and bursts of automatic weapons fire.
There was no immediate official casualty toll, and Niger’s military government had not initially issued a detailed statement identifying those behind the attack.
Niger continues to face a serious security threat from armed groups operating across the Sahel, including organisations linked to Al-Qaeda and Islamic State.
The airport and nearby military installations have already been targeted by militant groups earlier in 2026, making the latest assault another major security challenge for Niger’s military-led government.
Niger has been governed by the military since the July 2023 coup that removed President Mohamed Bazoum. Since then, the country has moved away from several Western security partners while strengthening relations with Russia and neighbouring military-led governments in Mali and Burkina Faso.
Those three countries now form the Alliance of Sahel States, while continuing joint efforts against militant groups operating across the region.
Authorities are expected to release further details on the attackers, casualties and damage as security operations in Niamey continue.
source – Reuters
Supreme News Network
