Security sources say assailants attempted to approach the presidential compound, while authorities urge residents to remain calm and avoid sharing unverified information.
Heavy gunfire and explosions were reported across Niger’s capital, Niamey, overnight Friday and into Saturday morning, particularly around Diori Hamani International Airport, Air Base 101 and the area near the presidential palace.
Witnesses told Reuters that gunfire and explosions rang out in several parts of the city. Heavy exchanges were heard near the airport and the presidential palace, with shooting resuming around the airport during the night.
Security sources told the news agency that assailants they described as “terrorists” had attacked Diori Hamani International Airport and attempted to breach the security perimeter surrounding the presidential compound.
Reuters said it could not independently verify the attackers’ identities or the details of their movements. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack.
Air Base 101 Targeted
Bana Wagana Ibrahim, a member of the Bureau of the Consultative Council for the Refoundation and a member of the Alliance of Sahel States Parliament, said the attackers had targeted Air Base 101, located within the airport complex.
He said Niger’s defence and security forces had regained control of the situation.
Reuters quoted a second security source as saying that some attackers had been “neutralised” while others fled, prompting security forces to launch search operations across the capital.
No official casualty or arrest figures have been released.
Air Base 101 is one of Niamey’s most important military installations because of its location within the capital’s airport and its role in Niger’s aerial and security capabilities.
Appeal for Calm
In its first brief message concerning the developments, the military authorities urged residents to remain calm and avoid publishing or circulating unverified information. They said defence and security forces had been mobilised to respond to the events.
The statement provided no details about the identity of the attackers, the size of the attacking force or whether every targeted location had been brought fully under control.
Unverified claims circulated on social media suggesting an attempted coup or an internal military move taking advantage of the attack. No credible evidence has emerged to support those claims, and neither Nigerien authorities nor international news agencies have confirmed any attempt to seize power.
Verified information points to a security attack against sensitive installations. Any broader political interpretation remains unsubstantiated.
An Incomplete Picture
Intermittent gunfire reportedly continued into the morning, while reports indicated that military units had been placed on alert and armoured vehicles deployed near the airport and other strategic locations.
Authorities have not released an official casualty toll. It also remains unclear whether all the attackers were killed or detained, or whether some escaped from the capital.
The attack’s full scale, purpose and organisers remain unknown, pending a detailed official statement on the fighting and the results of the continuing security operations.
