Explosions, gunfire rock Niger’s capital Niamey, airport amid attempted government takeover
Sustained gunfire and explosions have been reported in several parts of Niger’s capital, Niamey, in what security sources described as an attack targeting a military base, the international airport and the area around the presidential palace. Witnesses told Reuters that heavy gunfire was heard early Saturday, particularly around Diori Hamani International Airport and Base 101, […] Explosions,…
Early Saturday, sustained gunfire and explosions shook Niger's capital city, Niamey. Security sources described the attack as targeting a military base, the international airport, and the vicinity of the presidential palace. Witnesses reported hearing heavy gunfire near Diori Hamani International Airport and Base 101, a significant military installation in the city. It was alleged that "terrorists" struck the airport, attempting to breach security around the presidential compound.
Bana Wagana Ibrahim, a member of Niger's Consultative Council and a deputy in the Alliance of Sahel States parliament, confirmed that the attackers had indeed targeted Base 101. However, he stated that security forces had managed to regain control of the situation. Ibrahim shared his account on Facebook, expressing relief that "our defence and security forces ensured the situation under control."
According to a Nigerian living in Niamey, Safiyanu Muhammad, gunfire and explosions persisted near the presidential palace around 1:30 am on Saturday. The sounds of gunfire and explosions continued for approximately 30 minutes, beginning after 1 a.m. and lasting for about 2 to 3 hours. Muhammad expressed concern over the ongoing violence, stating that the situation had left the city in a state of panic.
Another security source revealed that troops had initiated search operations and had managed to neutralize some of the attackers. However, others reportedly fled the area. Witnesses also noted that gunfire resumed near the international airport at approximately 2:13 a.m. GMT. Videos circulating online displayed armored vehicles positioned around the airport neighbourhood.
Niger has been under military rule since a July 2023 coup that ousted President Mohamed Bazoum. In the aftermath of the coup, the government, led by General Abdourahamane Tchiani, has strengthened ties with Russia and joined Mali and Burkina Faso in the Alliance of Sahel States. This shift in foreign policy followed Niger's estrangement from the regional ECOWAS bloc.
Written by urgent.news from Daily Post Nigeria's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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