Niamey: Heavy gunfire and explosions were reported across several areas of Niger's capital, Niamey, early Saturday, with shooting heard around Diori Hamani International Airport and near the presidential palace.
Two witnesses reported sustained gunfire and explosions in different parts of the city during the early hours. One witness said shots were heard around the international airport, while another reported heavy and continuing gunfire near the presidential palace.
The airport complex also includes Base 101, a major military installation in Niamey. A resident told AFP that heavy gunfire and explosions were heard at the base, a report that several other witnesses confirmed.
A security source told Reuters that "terrorists" had attacked Diori Hamani International Airport and attempted to breach the security perimeter around the presidency. Reuters said it could not independently verify the claim.
Bana Wagana Ibrahim, a member of Niger's Bureau of the Consultative Council and a deputy in the Alliance of Sahel States Parliament, said attackers had targeted Base 101 and that security forces had regained control of the military installation.
A second security source said security forces had launched search operations and that some of the attackers had been "neutralised", while others had fled. The source did not provide details on how many attackers were involved or what happened to those described as neutralised.
Further gunfire was reported around the airport after Ibrahim said security forces had regained control. A Reuters witness reported that gunfire resumed around the airport at about 02:13 GMT.
Videos circulating online appeared to show armoured vehicles near the airport. The circumstances surrounding the deployment of the vehicles could not be independently established.
The exact nature of the incident and the identity of those responsible remain unclear. There was also no confirmed casualty figure in the reports available on Saturday morning.
It was also not immediately clear whether the reported gunfire near the presidential palace was directly connected to the incident at the airport and Base 101.
The latest incident is the third major episode of unrest reported around the airport complex in Niamey this year. The airport and the adjoining military facilities have already been targeted twice in 2026.
In January, the Islamic State in the Sahel claimed responsibility for an attack on the airport complex. Nigerien authorities said 20 attackers were killed and four soldiers were wounded in the assault.
A second attack took place in late June. The Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims, known as JNIM and linked to Al Qaeda, claimed responsibility. Niger's Defence Ministry said 11 soldiers and two civilians were killed, while 22 attackers were also killed. The military said it had repelled the attack.
The repeated attacks on the airport complex highlight the security challenges facing Niger, where armed groups linked to Al Qaeda and Islamic State continue to operate.
Niger has been ruled by the military since a coup in July 2023 that removed President Mohamed Bazoum. General Abdourahamane Tchiani heads the military government.
Since taking power, the military government has moved away from traditional Western security partners and developed closer ties with Russia. Niger has also joined Mali and Burkina Faso in the Alliance of Sahel States, a political and security alliance formed by the three military governments.
The three countries continue to face attacks by armed groups linked to Al Qaeda and Islamic State. Niger has also experienced other deadly attacks this year, including an assault in the southwest that killed at least 44 civilians in March.
For now, the main questions surrounding Saturday's violence remain unanswered. It is not clear which group was responsible, whether the attackers were part of a jihadist organisation, how many people were involved or whether there were casualties.
The reported violence also does not establish that the presidential palace itself was attacked. Available reports only confirm that heavy gunfire was heard near the presidential area.
Niger's military government had not issued a detailed public account of the incident in the latest reports available. Security forces were reported to be conducting search operations following the attack, while the situation around the airport and presidential area remained subject to further developments.