Niger’s military leader on Thursday accused France, Benin and Ivory Coast of backing an attack on a military base at Niamey’s international airport, while praising soldiers and what he called “Russian partners” for repelling the assault.
The attack began shortly after midnight, with residents near the airport reporting gunfire and explosions for about an hour before calm was restored. Niger’s defence ministry said four soldiers were wounded and 20 attackers were killed. Eleven suspects were arrested, and state television reported that a French national was among those killed.
No jihadist group has claimed responsibility so far. However, Niger has long faced violence from militants linked to Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State, particularly in western regions near the capital.
General Abdourahamane Tiani, who has ruled Niger since a July 2023 coup that ousted President Mohamed Bazoum, said on state radio that the country’s defence and security forces had acted “with professionalism,” alongside “Russian partners.” He accused French President Emmanuel Macron, Benin’s President Patrice Talon and Ivory Coast’s President Alassane Ouattara of sponsoring the attackers, warning that Niger would respond to continued pressure.
France and Benin have repeatedly denied accusations of attempting to destabilise Niger, despite increasingly strained relations with the junta.
Defence Minister Salifou Modi said the assault lasted around 30 minutes before air and ground forces intervened. Airport operations later returned to normal at Diori Hamani International Airport, which hosts a Nigerien air force base and lies about 10 kilometres from the presidential palace.
Witnesses described intense fighting. One local youth leader living near the airport said residents initially mistook the sounds for firecrackers before realising it was a “terrorist attack” involving heavy weapons. Satellite images later showed scorched areas near the runway.
The West African journalists’ group Wamaps described the incident as a large-scale attack involving drones, mortars and militants on motorbikes, suggesting possible Islamic State involvement. It also reported that air defence systems were quickly deployed and that some attackers were killed while others fled. Wamaps and a Russian military blog said Russian personnel may have assisted Nigerien forces.
Since expelling French and US troops, Niger has deepened ties with Russia. Security analysts noted that warnings of a possible attack had circulated in recent days.
The airport is considered a strategic site, hosting the headquarters of a joint force formed by Niger, Burkina Faso and Mali, as well as an air force base and a drone facility. Italian troops are also reportedly stationed there.
The site has drawn further attention due to a uranium shipment that has been stranded at the airport for weeks amid a dispute with French nuclear firm Orano, following Niger’s nationalisation of its Somair uranium mine and plans to sell uranium independently on the international market.
Niger, Burkina Faso and Mali — all under military rule — have formed the Alliance of Sahel States and announced plans for a 5,000-strong joint force to combat militant groups across the region.
