Heavy gunshots and explosions are reported in parts of Niamey, the capital of Niger Republic, in the early hours of Saturday, with the incident reportedly lasting for about two hours.
The latest violence reportedly targets areas around the airport and the security perimeter near the presidency, according to reports citing witnesses and local officials.
Bana Ibrahim, a member of Niger’s Bureau of the Consultative Council, confirms the attack in a post on Facebook, saying security and defense forces have brought the situation under control.
“Another cowardly attack against Base 101 and once again our defense and security forces have ensured,” Ibrahim says.
However, witnesses cited in reports say the sound of gunshots and explosions continue even after Ibrahim’s statement, raising uncertainty over whether the situation is fully under control.
The motive for the attack and the identity of those responsible remain unclear as authorities have yet to provide detailed information.
The incident marks another major security challenge for Niger, which continues to face threats from armed groups operating across the Sahel and the Lake Chad region.
Niger has experienced several attacks targeting areas around Niamey this year, including incidents involving jihadist groups and an attack targeting an international airport. Saturday’s incident is reportedly the third related security situation in the capital this year.
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Analysts remain divided over the possible identity of the attackers. Some observers suspect that jihadist groups may be responsible, given the persistent threat from armed organizations linked to Islamic State and al-Qaeda affiliates in the region.
Others, however, raise the possibility that the incident could be connected to internal divisions within the military or an attempted coup.
Wasim Nasir, a French journalist who reports on violence in the Sahel, says the incident could potentially be linked to an attempted coup or a dispute between military personnel.
Conflict researcher Hasret Kargin also says there is currently no conclusive information establishing whether the attackers are jihadists or members of the military attempting to seize power.
Kargin notes that rebel groups could also be considered among the possible actors behind the incident. The uncertainty comes against the backdrop of Niger’s continuing political and security crisis since the military seized power in July 2023.
The junta, led by Abdourahamane Tchiani, overthrew the democratically elected government and subsequently detained then-President Mohamed Bazoum.
Since the takeover, the military government has faced persistent attacks from armed groups as well as a major political dispute with the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS.
Niger later withdrew from ECOWAS alongside neighboring military-led governments in Mali and Burkina Faso, further deepening the regional political divide.
While previous gunshots in and around Niamey have been attributed to jihadist groups, no organization has claimed responsibility for the latest incident.
As of the time of this report, Niger’s government has not issued a detailed official statement identifying the attackers or explaining the circumstances surrounding the gunfire and explosions. Authorities are expected to provide further information as security operations and investigations continue.
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