Jihadist attackers launched a violent assault on Niger’s Diori Hamani International Airport near Niamey in the early hours of Thursday, leaving the city shaken as gunfire and explosions echoed through nearby neighborhoods.
Niger’s defence ministry reported that four soldiers were injured, while 20 attackers were killed, including a French national, according to state television.
Authorities also said 11 suspects were arrested following the overnight incident. Residents described a long night of fear as the sounds of automatic gunfire and loud blasts continued near the airport.
The Islamic State group claimed responsibility for the attack through its Amaq information service, describing it as a “co-ordinated surprise attack” aimed at “the military base” of the Niger army. The group said the assault caused “major damage,” though it did not provide numbers on casualties.
Eyewitnesses and videos broadcast on public television showed air defence systems firing at what appeared to be unknown projectiles shortly before dawn, while airport services resumed normal operations later in the day.
General Abdourahamane Tiani, the head of Niger’s military government, publicly praised Russia for assisting in defending the airport and accused the leaders of France, Benin, and Ivory Coast of supporting the attackers. He gave no details of Russia’s role or evidence to back the claims against the other countries.
“We commend all the defence and security forces... as well as Russian partners who defended their security sector with professionalism,” Tiani said on state radio.
“We remind the sponsors of these mercenaries, notably Emmanuel Macron, Patrice Talon and Alassane Ouattara: we've heard them bark quite enough; now they should get ready to listen to us.”
Since taking power in a July 2023 coup, Niger’s junta has cut military cooperation with France, the former colonial ruler, and turned to Russia for support in combating Islamist militants who have been active across the region for over a decade. The government has repeatedly accused France and Benin of trying to destabilise the country, charges both nations deny.
Defence Minister Salifou Modi said the assault lasted “about 30 minutes” before the attackers were driven back through “air and ground response.” Footage aired on public television showed the bodies of the assailants, with the French national among them.
The airport, which includes an air force base, is located roughly 10 kilometres from the presidential palace. Local residents described their shock as gunfire and explosions rang out.
“We didn't sleep last night," said one woman. "Our room and the whole house was shaking from the gunshots and explosions.”
"Yesterday was the first time I have ever heard gunfire," another resident said. "We were so scared."
Some reports, not yet verified, suggested that the attackers threw explosive devices toward the airport before engaging in an exchange of fire with security forces. FlightRadar24 indicated that several incoming flights to Niamey were diverted during the attack. AFP reported that security forces were heavily deployed around the airport on Thursday morning.
Niger is a key producer of uranium. A large shipment intended for export has remained at the airport amid unresolved legal and diplomatic disputes with France, following the military government’s decision to nationalise the nation’s uranium mines.
Sources cited by Reuters confirmed that the shipment was unharmed in the assault.
