Unexplained overnight gunfire and explosions near Niger’s main international airport in Niamey have heightened uncertainty around security at one of the country’s most sensitive strategic sites.
Residents near Diori Hamani International Airport reported hearing sustained shooting and loud blasts shortly after midnight on Thursday, with videos circulating online appearing to show air defence systems in action. Calm reportedly returned after about two hours, but authorities have not clarified what triggered the incident or whether anyone was harmed.
The airport, which also hosts an air force base and sits close to the capital’s political core, has drawn particular attention due to a large uranium shipment currently stranded there. The cargo has been caught in legal and diplomatic disputes with France following Niger’s decision to nationalise its uranium mines, prompting officials to examine whether the security incident was linked to the shipment.
While a foreign affairs ministry official said the situation was “under control,” Niger’s military government has not issued a formal statement. The lack of clarity comes as the country remains under military rule following the 2023 coup led by General Abdourahamane Tiani.
Niger’s broader security environment remains fragile. The country is a major uranium producer and sits at the centre of the Sahel’s fight against jihadist groups, with neighbouring Mali and Burkina Faso facing similar threats. The overnight incident underscores the persistent volatility surrounding critical infrastructure in the region.
