Gunfire Reported Near Military Base at Niger’s Niamey Airport

Residents of Niger’s capital, Niamey, reported heavy gunfire and explosions overnight near a military base at the city’s international airport, raising fresh security concerns in a country battling persistent jihadist violence.

Witnesses said gunfire was heard near Base 101, a military installation located close to Diori Hamani International Airport.

“There is heavy gunfire and explosions at Base 101 in Niamey,” one resident told AFP, with several other witnesses confirming hearing similar sounds.

Social media posts also reported shooting and explosions in other parts of the capital, particularly around the administrative district where the presidential palace and national television station are located.

Videos circulating online appeared to show armoured vehicles being deployed around areas near the airport.

The cause of the overnight gunfire remained unclear, and there had been no official statement from Nigerien authorities at the time of reporting.

Airport Previously Targeted by Jihadists

The reported incident comes months after Niamey airport was targeted in two separate attacks by rival jihadist groups.

The Islamic State in the Sahel (EIS) launched an assault in January, while the Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM), the Sahel affiliate of Al-Qaeda, carried out another attack in late June.

The January assault left four soldiers wounded, while authorities said 20 attackers were killed.

Following that attack, General Abdourahamane Tiani, leader of Niger's military government, acknowledged what he described as a weakness in the country's security system that had allowed the assault to take place.

He said the attackers' objective had been to destroy Niger's military aviation capabilities.

The June attack was also repelled by Nigerien forces. The country's defence ministry said at least 11 soldiers and two civilians were killed, while 22 attackers were reported dead.

Rival Groups Fight for Influence

The Islamic State in the Sahel and JNIM are both active across the wider Sahel region, where they have carried out attacks against civilians and security forces.

The two organisations are also competing for influence and territorial control, particularly in Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso.

Their continued operations have presented a major security challenge for Niger's military authorities, who have struggled to contain jihadist activity despite significant changes to the country's foreign and security policies.

Niger Under Military Rule

Niger has been governed by a military regime since the July 2023 coup that brought General Abdourahamane Tiani to power.

The military leadership has significantly changed Niger's international alliances, including distancing itself from several traditional Western partners.

Niger, Burkina Faso and Mali have also withdrawn from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and established closer political and security ties with one another.

The three countries have increasingly turned toward Russia for security cooperation while reducing their military relationships with Western powers, particularly France.

The United States has also completed the withdrawal of its military forces from Niger.

Security Situation Remains Fragile

Despite the changes in military partnerships, jihadist violence remains a major challenge across the Sahel.

The Islamic State in the Sahel and JNIM continue to operate in large areas of Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso, placing pressure on national armies and threatening communities in areas where government control is limited.

The latest reports from Niamey therefore come at a particularly sensitive moment for Niger's military authorities.

With no official explanation yet provided for the gunfire near Base 101, it remains unclear whether the incident was linked to a militant attack, an internal security operation or another cause.

Authorities are expected to provide further information as investigations into the incident continue.