Heavy gunfire and explosions erupted near Diori Hamani International Airport in Niamey, Niger’s capital, early Thursday, alarming residents and triggering heightened security measures. Witnesses reported sustained exchanges lasting approximately two hours starting shortly after midnight local time, with military installations across the city placed on high alert afterward.
While calm has been restored, authorities have not yet commented on the cause of the violence or potential casualties. The airport’s strategic significance is underscored by its proximity to Niger’s presidential palace, its role as a hub for counterterrorism operations, and its storage of uranium ore—a critical export for the country, which supplies 15% of global uranium.
The facility houses a Nigerien Air Force base, a newly operational drone center, and the headquarters of a tri-nation security force comprising Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali. This joint force, formed in late 2025, aims to combat escalating jihadist activity across the Sahel region. Analysts suggest the incident highlights persistent instability in the area, with implications for regional security and global commodity markets.
Travelers are advised to monitor official advisories, though flight operations appear unaffected as of Thursday morning. The lack of immediate claims of responsibility has fueled speculation about potential internal security challenges or targeted attacks on strategic assets.
