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A total of 35 people were killed in an armed attack on Thursday morning at Diori Hamani International Airport, the largest and most important airport in Niger’s capital, Niamey. Among the deceased, 22 were attackers, 11 were security force members, and two were civilians, according to the country’s Ministry of Defence.
A statement from the Ministry of Defence said that a group of armed attackers targeted the airport and surrounding security installations in the early morning. Security forces launched a counter-operation immediately after the attack, leading to a several-hour-long confrontation. The situation was later brought under control, and most of the attackers were killed.
Local residents reported hearing explosions and gunfire from the airport area shortly after Fajr prayers. Panic spread across various parts of the capital. Several eyewitnesses living near the airport stated that they initially did not understand the cause of the explosions but later learned that a major armed attack was underway in the airport area.
Authorities stated that four attackers were injured and 20 suspects were apprehended during the operation. Additionally, a large cache of weapons and military equipment was recovered. Among the recovered weapons were RPG-7 rocket launchers, AK-47 rifles, grenades, explosives, communication devices, and thousands of rounds of ammunition.
The main confrontation concluded within a few hours of the attack. Subsequently, security forces launched extensive operations to track down fleeing attackers. Security has been heightened in and around the airport area. Additional troops have been deployed around critical installations, and checkpoints have been established at various locations.
By Thursday afternoon, the area adjacent to the airport was brought under the control of security forces. All entry and exit points to the area have been placed under strict surveillance. Vehicle and passenger inspections have been intensified.
Mahmoud Ali Yusuf, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, strongly condemned the attack. He also praised the swift action taken by Niger’s security forces. According to him, the effective resistance by the security forces prevented significant damage to the airport’s critical installations.
Diori Hamani International Airport is one of Niger’s strategic installations. It serves as the country’s primary civilian airport and is also an important hub for military operations. It holds particular significance for security operations in the Sahel region.
Niger has been battling militant violence and armed insurgency for the past decade. In January of this year, the same airport experienced an attack, during which authorities reported that 20 attackers were killed in security force operations.
In recent years, the security situation in Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso has deteriorated. With an increase in attacks by militant groups, the military governments in these countries have further tightened security measures. As part of this, surveillance has been increased, security perimeters expanded, and hundreds of surveillance cameras installed in the Diori Hamani International Airport area.
However, this latest attack has raised renewed concerns about the country’s security situation. As of now, no one has been officially charged or arrested in connection with the attack. Authorities have also not confirmed whether any group has officially claimed responsibility for the assault.
