Gunfire Rings Out at Niamey Airport, Army Repels New Assault

Thu Jun 18 2026 20:13:29 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Gunshots and explosions erupted early at Niamey’s international airport, sparking a tense showdown as the army detained the fleeing attackers.

In the early morning, gunfire and blasts echoed across the entrance to Diori Hamani international airport in Niger’s capital, Niamey. Residents reported a two‑hour volley of shots, which the military says was quickly repelled as the attackers fled. This latest attack follows a January assault that killed 20 attackers and injured four soldiers, leaving the country’s situation under a tense, but controlled, atmosphere. Security upgrades—further perimeter fencing and over 350 new surveillance cameras—have been installed at the airport, while authorities have razed nearby neighbourhoods for “terrorist risk” concerns. No official statement has yet confirmed who was behind the latest onslaught, though an Islamic State–linked group shot up the previous attack.

Gunfire Rings Out at Niamey Airport, Army Repels New Assault

Early Thursday morning, residents of Niamey heard gunshots and explosions at the entrance of Diori Hamani International Airport. The first shots were reported at 06:00 local time by a mosque‑dweller who said the situation was now under “control”.

The assault lasted about two hours, with shots emanating from the main airside gate. The Sahelian army has said the attackers fled, abandoning weapons, and is now on the hunt for the henchmen.

This comes after a similar January strike that killed 20 attackers and wounded four soldiers. While the government recognized the Islamic State affiliate’s role in that attack, no group claimed responsibility this time.

Security has been tightened: the airport perimeter has been extended, a new fence added, and more than 350 cameras installed. Authorities also razed neighbourhoods near the airport citing “terrorist risks.”

In related words, Niger’s military junta thanked Russia for aid in foiling the first assault and accused the presidents of France, Benin, and Ivory Coast of backing the attackers—yet no evidence was provided.

Learn more about the Jan. attack at the airport.