Amanze Chinonye
Gunfire and explosions erupted across Niger’s capital, Niamey, early on Saturday, with armed attackers targeting a military base at the city’s international airport and areas near the presidential palace in a major security incident in the junta-led West African country.
Heavy shooting was reported around Diori Hamani International Airport and Base 101, a military installation within the airport complex. Witnesses also reported gunfire near the presidential palace as security forces moved to secure strategic sites in the capital.
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Bana Wagana Ibrahim, a member of Niger’s Consultative Council, said the attackers had targeted Base 101 and that security forces had subsequently regained control of the facility.
The airport remained a focus of the fighting, while security forces deployed armoured vehicles and closed roads in parts of the capital. Niger’s state broadcaster, RTN, also temporarily interrupted its live transmission as the security operation unfolded.
The ruling military authorities called for calm, unity and vigilance, saying the situation was under control.
The identity and motive of the attackers were initially unclear. Later reports cited soldiers as being involved, with personnel reportedly linked to military units in Ouallam, Téra and Dosso.
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The violence poses a significant security challenge for Niger’s military rulers, who have sought to consolidate control since overthrowing President Mohamed Bazoum in a July 2023 coup while confronting a persistent jihadist insurgency.
Niger has since broken with several Western security partners, including former colonial power France, and deepened military ties with Russia. It has also joined neighbouring Mali and Burkina Faso in the Alliance of Sahel States, a regional bloc formed by the three military-led governments.
The shift has fundamentally altered the security landscape in the central Sahel, even as armed groups affiliated with al-Qaeda and Islamic State continue to operate across the region.
The full circumstances of the attack, including the number of people involved, casualties and whether it was an attempted mutiny or an assault by an armed extremist group, remained unclear as security forces continued operations in the capital.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
