Niamey, Niger – Niger’s main airport, Diori Hamani International Airport, was targeted in a rare attack claimed by the Islamic State (IS) group, underscoring the growing reach of jihadist violence into the capital. The assault, which took place on Thursday, January 29, 2026, was repelled by Nigerien soldiers with the support of what the ruling junta described as “Russian partners.”
What Happened
Shortly after midnight, locals reported hearing gunfire and explosions lasting more than an hour. Satellite images later revealed partially burned areas near the runway and damaged roofs, suggesting an air strike.
According to the junta:
- 20 assailants, including a French national, were killed.
- Four army soldiers were wounded.
- Three civilian aircraft were hit, including two belonging to Asky Airlines.
National television broadcast footage of junta chief Abdourahamane Tiani visiting the military base and showing what it said were attackers’ bodies.
The SITE Intelligence Group quoted IS-affiliated news agency Amaq, which claimed responsibility:
“Islamic State fighters carried out a surprise and coordinated attack on the military base belonging to Nigerien forces at Niamey Airport, inflicting significant damage.”
Rare Violence in the Capital
While Niger has battled jihadist groups for over a decade including Al-Qaeda-linked JNIM and Islamic State in the Sahel (EIS) violence has typically been concentrated in the west and southeast. Attacks in Niamey are unusual, though JNIM recently claimed responsibility for blowing up an army vehicle just east of the capital.
Political Accusations
Tiani praised Niger’s defence forces and Russian partners for repelling the attack, while accusing the presidents of France, Benin, and Ivory Coast of sponsoring the assailants. Relations between Niger’s junta, which seized power in July 2023, and France and Benin remain frosty, as the country has pivoted closer to Russia.
Strategic Importance of Niamey Airport
Niamey airport is a critical military and political site:
- It houses the air force’s 101st base and serves as headquarters for a joint force with Burkina Faso and Mali to combat jihadists.
- French forces were previously stationed there before being expelled in late 2023.
- A large shipment of uranium, at the centre of a dispute with French nuclear giant Orano, has been stored at the airport for weeks.
- Nearly 300 Italian soldiers are stationed there under the Italian Support Mission in Niger (MISIN), though Italy confirmed its troops were not involved in the fighting.
Return to Calm
By Friday, calm had returned to the airport area. Flights resumed overnight, except for Asky Airlines, whose aircraft were damaged. The entrance to Base 101 remained blocked by armed soldiers, while hundreds of residents gathered to pray for peace. Shops reopened and taxis operated as normal, signaling a fragile return to daily life.
Conclusion
The Niamey airport attack highlights the shifting dynamics of Niger’s security crisis, with jihadist violence now reaching the capital. As the junta strengthens ties with Russia and distances itself from France, the incident underscores both the strategic vulnerability of Niamey and the broader geopolitical tensions shaping the Sahel.
