Gunfire, Explosions Reported Near Military Base In Niger Capital

Gunfire and explosions were reported around parts of Niamey on Saturday, including near a military base close to Niger Republic’s main airport.

The shooting was heard around Base 101 and the Diori Hamani International Airport area, according to reports by Channels Television and Daily Post. The cause was not immediately clear, but security sources cited in the reports said the airport and nearby military positions were among the targets.

Channels Television reported that Niger’s military urged residents to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information, saying defence and security forces had been mobilised.

Daily Post reported that a source described an attack on the airport area and an attempted breach around the presidency. It also cited a member of Niger’s consultative council as saying security forces had regained control after the attack on Base 101.

Niger has been under military rule for three years and has faced repeated jihadist attacks. The Niamey base is one of the sensitive security locations around the capital.

The incident matters beyond Niger because instability there has repeatedly affected security planning across West Africa, including countries that share borders and security concerns with Niger.

Sources: Channels Television, Daily Post