A coordinated assault on Niamey’s international airport on Thursday morning resulted in the deaths of 11 soldiers and two civilians, as armed assailants attempted to breach the terminal. The attack, which unfolded shortly after 6:00 AM local time, lasted nearly two hours before security forces regained full control of the area.
security forces repel armed incursion
According to a statement from the Ministry of Defense, the attackers—some wearing explosive belts—launched their assault near a perimeter checkpoint just a few hundred meters from the terminal. Despite breaching initial defenses, their advance was halted by rapid intervention units. The ministry reported that 22 assailants were killed in the exchange, while 13 security personnel and civilians lost their lives. An additional four people were injured.
The airport remains operational, though several flights were temporarily diverted or delayed due to heightened security protocols. Authorities confirmed that a large-scale sweep operation is ongoing in the surrounding neighborhoods, where remaining attackers are believed to have fled.
Niger’s ongoing struggle against insurgency
This incident marks the second major attack on Niamey’s airport within six months. In late January, jihadist militants targeted the same location for hours before being repelled. The earlier assault prompted the military-led government, which seized power in July 2023, to implement sweeping security upgrades, including extended perimeter fencing and the installation of over 350 surveillance cameras.
The government has also intensified efforts to dismantle insurgent networks, particularly in urban areas surrounding critical infrastructure. Despite these measures, the country continues to face persistent threats from armed groups operating across the Sahel region.
aftermath and investigations
Locals reported hearing heavy gunfire for most of the morning, with clashes concentrated near the airport’s sole access road. Witnesses described assailants arriving in taxis before clashing with police units. Authorities have detained approximately 20 suspects in connection with the attack.
The Ministry of Defense emphasized that the situation is now under control, though investigations are ongoing to determine the full extent of the attackers’ support network and potential foreign influences.
