Gunfire and Explosions Rock Area Near Niger’s Main Airport

Heavy gunfire and loud explosions were reported overnight near Niger’s main international airport on the outskirts of the capital, Niamey, triggering concern among residents.

Witnesses said air defence systems appeared to intercept unidentified objects in the sky during the early hours of Thursday, according to videos and eyewitness accounts circulating locally.

Calm was later restored, with officials indicating that the situation had been brought under control, though no further details were provided.

The cause of the incident remains unclear, and there has been no confirmation of casualties. As of Thursday morning, the transitional government had not issued an official statement.

Residents living near Diori Hamani International Airport told the AFP news agency that the gunfire began shortly after midnight and lasted for about two hours before subsiding. The airport, which also hosts an air force base, is located roughly 10 kilometres from the presidential palace.

Niger is a key global producer of uranium. A large shipment intended for export has reportedly been held at the airport for weeks amid unresolved legal and diplomatic disputes with France, following the nationalisation of the country’s uranium mines by the transitional authorities.

 A Foreign Affairs ministry official told Anadolu that “The situation is under control. There is no need to worry,”, adding that authorities were investigating whether the overnight gunfire was connected to the delayed uranium shipment.