Heavy gunfire and explosions reported in the Republic of Niger

Niamey, Niger — Thursday

Heavy gunfire and explosions were reported in the early hours of Thursday near the international airport in Niamey, the capital of the Republic of Niger.
Residents living in neighbourhoods close to the airport said the shooting began shortly after midnight, sending waves of panic through the area. According to witnesses, bursts of gunfire and loud explosions continued for nearly two hours before calm gradually returned.
It was not immediately clear what triggered the incident or whether there were any casualties. Authorities had not issued an official statement at the time of reporting.

Videos filmed by local residents and shared on social media appeared to show streaks of light crossing the night sky accompanied by the sound of powerful explosions. Other images showed flames rising several metres high, along with burned and damaged vehicles in the vicinity.

Niamey’s Diori Hamani International Airport houses a major air force base and is located approximately 10 kilometres from the presidential palace, making it a strategically sensitive area. The situation in the capital remained tense as residents awaited further information from security officials.