Gunfire and Explosions Shake Niamey Airport: A Disturbing Night in Niger

Sat Jan 31 2026 19:17:26 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Residents near the Diori Hamani International Airport in Niamey experienced a night of chaos marked by heavy gunfire and explosions, raising concerns about security amid a climate of unrest.

Heavy gunfire and loud explosions were reported near Niamey’s Diori Hamani International Airport, with eyewitness accounts describing aerial defense systems responding to unidentified threats. Although calm returned after two hours, the cause of the blasts remains unclear, and the government has yet to issue an official statement. This incident highlights ongoing security challenges in Niger amidst a backdrop of military authority and jihadist violence.

Sustained heavy gunfire and loud explosions have been heard in Niger near the international airport outside the capital, Niamey.

Multiple eyewitness accounts and videos showed air defence systems apparently engaging unidentified projectiles in the early hours of Thursday.

Reports indicate that the situation later calmed down, with an official stating it was under control without providing further details.

As of now, the cause of the blasts remains unclear, and there have been no confirmed reports of casualties. The military government has not released any official statements regarding the incident.

The gunfire and blasts began shortly after midnight, as residents living near the Diori Hamani International Airport reported calm returning after approximately two hours.

This airport is notable for housing an air force base and is located around 10km from the presidential palace.

One local resident revealed that shots had been fired from outside the airport, allegedly targeting aircraft; others recounted the terror of hearing the chaos unfold.

“We didn't sleep last night. Our room and the whole house was shaking from the gunshots and explosions,” declared one resident.

Unconfirmed reports suggest that unknown assailants threw explosive devices towards the airport before engaging in a gunfire exchange with security forces.

Several flights bound for Niamey were diverted according to the FlightRadar24 website, while heavy security presence was noted around the airport Thursday morning.

Niger has been grappling with internal security issues, particularly since the military seized control in a 2023 coup that removed the elected civilian president. The country is also involved in a broader regional struggle against jihadist violence.

Early Thursday, military supporters took to the streets of Niamey to express solidarity with the current authorities.

The situation was made more complex due to complications involving a significant uranium shipment stuck at the airport, linked to legal and diplomatic disputes with France after the military nationalized Niger’s uranium mines.

Officials remarked to Anadolu news agency that they were assessing whether there was any connection between the gunfire incident and the uranium shipment.