Gunshots and explosions were heard across parts of Niger’s capital, Niamey, early Saturday, sparking fresh concerns about security and possible instability within the military-led government.
Heavy shooting was reportedly heard around Air Force Base 101, a sensitive military facility located inside the city’s international airport complex.
The source of the gunfire remained unclear as of Saturday morning, with Nigerien authorities yet to issue an official statement or confirm whether there were casualties.
A resident told AFP that heavy gunfire and explosions began around 1am local time (0000 GMT) near the airport and continued intermittently until daybreak. Other witnesses also reported hearing the shooting.
A resident in western Niamey said sporadic small-arms fire was heard at around 5am.
Videos shared online and by local journalists showed military activity around the airport, including the reported deployment of armoured vehicles in nearby neighbourhoods.
Unconfirmed reports on social media also indicated that gunfire and explosions were heard in other parts of the capital, including the administrative district where the presidential palace and national television station are located.
The reports immediately raised fears of a possible coup attempt or internal military confrontation, although there was no official confirmation that the incident was linked to any attempt to overthrow the government.
The development comes months after Niamey’s airport was attacked twice by jihadist groups.
The Islamic State in the Sahel (EIS) claimed responsibility for an assault in January, while the Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM), the Sahel branch of al-Qaeda, carried out another attack in June.
Nigerien authorities said 20 attackers were killed and four soldiers wounded during the January assault. In June, the Defence Ministry reported that at least 11 soldiers and two civilians were killed, while 22 attackers were also killed. The military said both attacks were repelled.
Air Force Base 101 is considered strategically important because of its location within the international airport complex. It also hosts Russian Africa Corps personnel and serves as a command centre for the joint force established by the Alliance of Sahel States, comprising Niger, Burkina Faso and Mali.
Niger has been governed by a military junta led by General Abdourahamane Tiani since the July 2023 coup that ousted President Mohamed Bazoum.
The junta has faced persistent challenges in containing jihadist violence despite a major realignment of the country’s security partnerships.
Following the January airport attack, Tiani acknowledged security shortcomings that had enabled the assault, saying the attackers had sought to destroy Niger’s military air capabilities.
Jihadist attacks persist despite Russia alliance
Niger, Burkina Faso and Mali have all experienced military takeovers and subsequently reduced their reliance on traditional Western security partners, particularly France.
The three countries also withdrew from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and strengthened their political and military ties with Russia.
However, the shift has not brought an end to jihadist violence, as Islamic State- and al-Qaeda-linked groups continue to operate across the Sahel.
Saturday’s reported gunfire has therefore heightened concerns about the security situation in Niamey, particularly around key military and government installations.
As of the latest reports, Nigerien authorities had yet to publicly identify those responsible for the shooting, confirm whether the incident was an attempted coup or provide details of any casualties.
