Niamey, Niger – Residents of Niger’s capital endured hours of heavy overnight gunfire near Diori Hamani International Airport, fuelling fears of a possible jihadist attack in the city.
Witnesses reported sustained gunfire and several explosions erupting in the early hours of Thursday before gradually subsiding after several hours. By Thursday morning, authorities had yet to comment on the incident, and there was no immediate information on casualties or the cause of the shooting.
Residents Describe a Night of Fear
Local accounts painted a picture of confusion and terror.
“Everyone was perplexed; people were confused. At first, we thought it was just firecrackers or an electrical fault, but then we were surprised and realised that this was not the case, that it was really a terrorist attack,” said Ibrahim Boubacar, who lives near Niamey airport and heads a local youth collective.
Another resident described the ordeal as deeply unsettling:
“We were very scared. I had the children around me, each with prayer beads, and we prayed all night for Allah to protect us, asking every Nigerien to pray for peace to return to the country.”
Context of Instability
Niger, a Sahelian nation regularly hit by jihadist violence, has been under military rule for more than two years. General Abdourahamane Tiani has led the junta since overthrowing elected president Mohamed Bazoum in July 2023.
The country remains a focal point of regional instability, with militant groups linked to Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State operating across the Sahel. The latest incident near Niamey’s airport underscores the fragile security environment and the persistent threat of extremist violence.
Conclusion
As residents await official clarification, the overnight gunfire has heightened anxiety in Niamey and renewed concerns about Niger’s vulnerability to jihadist attacks. With no immediate word from authorities, questions remain over the nature of the incident and its implications for security in the capital.
