Gunfire and explosions erupted near Niamey airport and an adjacent military base in Niger's capital early Wednesday morning, prompting a heavy security deployment to the area. The shooting and detonations began shortly after midnight and lasted about an hour, according to residents living near the airport.
Videos captured by local residents showed streaks of light across the sky, loud explosions, and flames several metres high, along with charred vehicles at the scene. Satellite images later revealed scorched earth near the airport's runway. Several aircraft parked at the airport sustained bullet damage, including planes belonging to Togolese airline Asky and Air Côte d'Ivoire.
General Abdourahmane Tchiani, who seized power in a 2023 coup, blamed the attack on the presidents of France, Benin and Côte d'Ivoire without providing evidence. Speaking on state television, he said: "We have heard them bark, they should be ready to hear us roar," signalling a potential escalation in tensions with neighbouring countries and France, which he views as supporting regional rivals.
However, multiple observers suggested the attack likely came from jihadist groups. Niger faces ongoing threats from armed organisations linked to Islamic State and al-Qaida affiliates operating across the tri-border region with Mali and Burkina Faso. Last weekend, a jihadist group claimed responsibility for destroying an army vehicle with an improvised explosive device east of Niamey.
Beverly Ochieng, an analyst at Control Risks, told Agence France-Presse that jihadist groups have recently increased their presence near Niamey. She noted the incident could align with tactics used by the al-Qaida-affiliated group JNIM "to continue targeting the security establishment as a way of delegitimising the juntas."
Niger state television reported that at least one of several assailants killed was a French national, showing footage of bloodied bodies without providing further evidence. The full scope of casualties remained unclear as authorities had not issued official statements about the attack.
Since Tchiani's 2023 coup, Niger has experienced significant geopolitical realignment, expelling French and US forces and turning toward Russia for military support. The country withdrew from the West African regional bloc alongside Mali and Burkina Faso to form the Alliance of Sahel States.
Security conditions have deteriorated markedly since the coup despite military promises of stability. The Global Terrorism Index 2025 reported that Niger recorded the largest increase in terrorism deaths globally in 2024, with deaths rising 94 percent to 930 total deaths, marking the country's worst ranking since the index began.