Gunfire and Explosions Rock Niger Airport Area in Niamey

Heavy gunfire and explosions were reported early Thursday near Diori Hamani International Airport in Niger’s capital, Niamey, according to local residents and AFP sources. The incident caused panic in nearby neighborhoods as residents heard loud blasts and saw flames rising into the sky.

Videos shared by residents showed bright streaks of light, loud explosions, burning vehicles, and thick smoke near the airport area. The shooting reportedly began shortly after midnight and continued for around two hours before the situation returned to calm.

Diori Hamani International Airport is located about 10 kilometers from the presidential palace and also hosts an air force base. The airport is an important security site and houses the headquarters of a joint military force formed by Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali to fight militant groups.

So far, there are no confirmed reports of casualties, and the exact cause of the incident remains unclear. Fire trucks and emergency sirens were seen and heard heading toward the airport, according to witnesses.

Niger has been ruled by military leader Abdourahamane Tiani since a coup in 2023 that removed the elected civilian government. The airport has also been in focus recently due to a large uranium shipment that has been stuck there for several weeks.

Authorities have not yet released an official statement on the incident.