Niamey, Niger — Heavy gunfire and loud explosions were heard late Wednesday night near Diori Hamani International Airport in Niger’s capital, Niamey, sparking panic among residents.
Eyewitnesses said sustained shooting and multiple blasts began shortly after midnight and lasted for nearly two hours before calm returned in the early hours of Thursday. Videos circulating on social media appear to show flashes of light in the sky, possibly from air defence fire, though this has not been independently confirmed.
A Niger foreign ministry official later said the situation is now under control, urging residents to remain calm. Authorities have not yet confirmed the cause of the incident or reported any casualties.
The airport, located about 10 kilometres from the presidential palace, houses an air force base and key military facilities. It is also the headquarters of the joint force formed by Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso to fight jihadist groups in the Sahel.
Flight tracking data showed at least one commercial flight was diverted to Burkina Faso during the disturbance.
The incident comes amid heightened security tensions in Niger, which has been under military rule since a 2023 coup. Investigations are ongoing.
More details shortly.