In brief
Residents of Niamey's airport reported gunfire and explosions beginning at about 06:00 local time. The incident lasted roughly an hour, according to Reuters. Though no group claimed responsibility, Niger's continued battle with jihadists and a recent attack on the same airport in January keep security drones active. The military junta that seized power speaks to the ongoing violence, but authorities have yet to comment on the latest event.
Residents at the entrance to Niamey, Niger’s capital, heard gunfire and explosions early Thursday morning, beginning around 06:00 local time (05:00 GMT). Reuters reports that the shooting continued for about an hour.
Witnesses said the gunfire originated from the airport’s main gate. While no group immediately claimed responsibility, the incident follows a January attack on the same terminal that was attributed to an Islamic State affiliate.
Since the start of a decade‑long insurgency, Niger has struggled to curb Islamist militancy. The military junta that took power in 2023—partly in response to the failure of previous governments to stop violence—continues to face security challenges across the Sahel region.
The authorities have not yet commented on the fresh barrage of gunfire, and it remains unclear whether the current incident is linked to the earlier attack. The situation remains fluid, with observers urging caution as the country seeks to stabilize the region.
