Heavy gunfire and explosions erupted early Thursday near Diori Hamani International Airport in Niger’s capital, Niamey, before subsiding within hours, according to residents and reports from AFP.
Videos shared on social media showed streaks of light in the sky, flames reaching several metres high, and charred vehicles.
The airport, which houses an air force base, is located roughly 10 kilometres from the presidential palace.
Residents in nearby neighborhoods said the shooting began shortly after midnight and lasted about two hours. Calm reportedly returned by early morning.
The cause of the incident and potential casualties remain unclear.
Sirens from fire trucks heading to the airport were heard as emergency services responded to the scene.
Ibrahim Bana, an online activist supporting Niger’s military government, posted a video urging citizens to take to the streets to “defend the country.”
The airport is also the headquarters of a joint force involving Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali aimed at combating jihadist groups in the region. Since seizing power in 2023, the country’s military government has removed French and US forces previously involved in counterterrorism efforts.
The region has witnessed significant violence, with nearly 2,000 deaths reported in Niger alone in 2025, according to the NGO ACLED, which tracks conflict globally.
In a related concern, a large uranium shipment from northern Niger, intended for an unknown buyer, has reportedly been stuck at the airport since late November.
The situation remains fluid, and security forces are maintaining heightened vigilance around the capital and airport area.
