Heavy Gunfire Shakes Niger’s Capital Airport, Subsides Quickly. Niamey, Niger — A sudden burst of heavy gunfire and explosions rocked Niger’s capital, Niamey, early Thursday morning, with the incident occurring near the Diori Hamani International Airport, according to AFP.
The shooting, which began shortly after midnight, lasted for several hours before subsiding, leaving residents in a state of shock and confusion.
Videos captured by local residents depicted streaks of light in the sky, followed by loud explosions, flames reaching several meters high, and charred vehicles.
The airport, which houses an air force base, is situated approximately 10 kilometers from the presidential palace. Niger, a country regularly targeted by jihadist attacks, has been under military rule since a junta led by Abdourahamane Tiani overthrew the elected civilian president in 2023.
The shooting follows a period of growing political tensions and attacks by armed groups in the country, particularly after recent presidential elections.
According to residents, sirens from fire trucks heading towards the airport could be heard in the early hours of the morning.
An online activist supporting military rule, Ibrahim Bana, posted a video on Facebook, urging people to take to the streets of the capital to “defend the country.”.
The Diori Hamani International Airport is also the headquarters of a joint force created by Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali to combat jihadist groups in the region. Since seizing power, Niger’s military leadership has expelled French and US forces that had been assisting in the fight against jihadists.
The country has also formed the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) with its neighbors, announcing the creation of a 5,000-strong force for joint military operations.
ACLED, an NGO that tracks conflict casualties globally, reported that jihadist violence killed nearly 2,000 people in Niger in 2025.
Additionally, a large shipment of Uranium, with an unknown buyer, has been stuck at the airport for weeks.
The government has not yet commented on the incident, and it remains unclear whether there were any casualties.
Further details are expected as the situation unfolds.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 4*
