A tense and uncertain situation unfolded in Niger as intense gunfire and powerful explosions were heard overnight from Wednesday to Thursday near the international airport in Niamey. According to local residents, a sense of calm was later restored.

Residents in neighborhoods surrounding the airport reported that the shooting began shortly after midnight. The same sources confirmed that the area grew quiet again approximately two hours later.

Recurrent Jihadist Violence

Niger, a nation frequently targeted by jihadist violence, has been under the leadership of General Abdourahamane Tiani since a coup on July 26, 2023. His military regime overthrew the elected civilian president, Mohamed Bazoum.

The Diori Hamani International Airport in Niamey is a strategic location, situated about ten kilometers from the presidential palace. It hosts a Nigerien air force base, a newly built drone facility, and the headquarters for the joint force established by Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali to counter the jihadist groups afflicting the three nations.

An Unclear Motive

The cause of the gunfire exchange has not yet been determined. However, videos filmed by locals near the airport show long, luminous streaks in the dark sky, which could indicate anti-aircraft fire, possibly in response to drones. Other footage shows flames reaching several meters high and incinerated vehicles.

While calm appeared to have been re-established around 2 a.m., supporters of the military regime called on people to come out into the capital to “defend the country.” Residents in the airport area also heard firefighter sirens heading towards the location.

According to “Brant,” an open-source intelligence account on X, a passenger plane from Algiers scheduled to land in Niamey was diverted to Burkina Faso during the night. Furthermore, a large shipment of uranium, a key Nigerien export, is reportedly being stored at the Niamey airport, awaiting shipment.