Heavy gunfire and loud explosions were heard near Niger’s international airport outside the capital, Niamey, in the early hours of Thursday, sparking uncertainty over the cause of the incident.
Residents living near Diori Hamani International Airport told AFP that sustained gunfire began shortly after midnight and continued for around two hours. Videos circulating on social media appeared to show air defence systems firing at unidentified objects in the sky.
Calm later returned to the area, with an official quoted by Anadolu Agency saying the situation was “under control,” without providing further details. There has been no formal statement from Niger’s military authorities, and it remains unclear whether there were any casualties.
The airport, which also hosts an air force base, is located roughly 10 kilometres from the presidential palace in Niamey.
Niger has been ruled by a military government since July 2023, when General Abdourahamane Tiani led a coup that removed the country’s elected civilian leadership.
The country, along with neighbouring Burkina Faso and Mali, continues to face attacks by jihadist groups operating across the Sahel. Niger is also one of the world’s major uranium producers.
A large shipment of uranium destined for export has been stranded at the airport amid ongoing legal and diplomatic disputes with France, following the military government’s decision to nationalise uranium mining operations.
An official from the foreign affairs ministry told Anadolu Agency that authorities were investigating whether the overnight gunfire was linked to the stalled uranium shipment, but offered no further clarification.