Fear Grips Niger Capital Amid Airport Gunfire and Blasts
Residents of Niger’s capital Niamey were thrown into chaos early Thursday as heavy gunfire and multiple explosions erupted near Diori Hamani International Airport, shaking homes and sparking widespread fear.
Eyewitnesses and video footage showed air defense systems apparently responding to unidentified projectiles in the early hours. Authorities later said the situation was under control, though no further details were provided.
It remains unclear what caused the blasts or whether there were any casualties. The military government has yet to release an official statement.
AFP reports that the gunfire began shortly after midnight. Residents described the terrifying sounds as their houses shook. “We didn’t sleep last night. Our room and the whole house was shaking from the gunshots and explosions,” said one woman.
Another said, “It was the first time I have ever heard gunfire. We were so scared.”
Unconfirmed reports suggest unknown assailants may have thrown explosive devices toward the airport before exchanging fire with security forces. Flight tracking website FlightRadar24 indicated that several flights to Niamey were diverted.
The airport houses a military airbase and lies roughly 10 kilometers from the presidential palace. AFP noted a heavy security presence around the area Thursday morning.
Niger is led by Abdourahamane Tiani, who seized power in a 2023 coup ousting the elected civilian president. Like neighboring Burkina Faso and Mali, Niger faces ongoing threats from jihadist groups.
Supporters of the military government reportedly took to the streets Thursday to show backing for the authorities.
Niger is a major uranium producer. A large shipment awaiting export remains at the airport amid unresolved legal and diplomatic tensions with France after the nationalization of the country’s uranium mines.
A foreign affairs ministry official told Anadolu News Agency that authorities were investigating whether the gunfire was linked to the uranium shipment, adding: “The situation is under control. There is no need to worry.”
