Sustained gunfire and loud explosions were heard overnight near Niger’s main international airport on Thursday, according to eyewitnesses and local media reports, prompting concerns over security near a key military installation.
Residents near Diori Hamani International Airport said the gunfire began shortly after midnight and lasted for about two hours before the situation appeared to calm. Videos circulating on social media showed what appeared to be air defense systems engaging unidentified projectiles in the sky.
An official at the Foreign Affairs Ministry, speaking to Anadolu Agency, said “the situation is under control” and urged the public not to worry, though no details were provided. Niger’s military-led government has not issued an official statement, and it remains unclear what caused the blasts or whether there were any casualties.
The airport, located about 10 kilometers (6 miles) from the presidential palace, also houses an air force base. AFP reported that calm returned to the area after several hours.
Niger has been ruled by Gen. Abdourahamane Tiani since a 2023 coup that overthrew the country’s elected civilian president. The country, along with neighbors Burkina Faso and Mali, has faced repeated attacks by jihadist groups operating across the Sahel.
The Foreign Affairs Ministry official said authorities were investigating whether the incident was linked to a large uranium shipment currently stuck at the airport amid unresolved legal and diplomatic disputes with France following the government’s nationalization of uranium mines.
Niger is one of the world’s significant uranium producers.
