Panic in Niger as Heavy Gunfire, Explosions Rock Airport and Presidential Palace

By Facthabournews

Panic gripped Niamey, the capital of Niger Republic, early Saturday as heavy gunfire and explosions were reported around the Diori Hamani International Airport, a major military base and the area housing the presidential palace. citeturn0news0turn0news1

The incident sparked fears of another coup in the West African country, which has been under military rule since General Abdourahamane Tiani seized power in 2023. Initial reports described the attackers as mutinous soldiers, although early accounts of the incident were conflicting. citeturn0news7turn0search2

According to Reuters, sustained gunfire and explosions were heard around the airport and near the presidency. Security sources said mutinous soldiers had attacked strategic locations in the capital, while loyalist forces moved to regain control. citeturn0news7

The airport complex houses Base 101, a key military installation. A member of Niger’s Consultative Council, Bana Wagana Ibrahim, said security forces had regained control of the base and described the incident as an attack. citeturn0search4

The area around the presidential palace also came under attack, with reports indicating that the presidential guard fought off insurgents attempting to breach the security perimeter. Loyalist troops were subsequently deployed around key government installations. citeturn0search1turn0news7

Niger’s Defence Ministry later said the armed forces were progressively retaking sites targeted during the overnight attack. However, security sources reported that the situation around the airport remained uncertain for some time. citeturn0news0

State television and radio broadcasts were temporarily disrupted during the unrest, adding to uncertainty in the capital. Authorities urged residents to remain calm, vigilant and avoid spreading unverified information. citeturn0news1turn0news6

The incident has raised fresh questions about stability within Niger’s military establishment. Reuters reported that some troops involved in the mutiny came from areas such as Ouallam, Tera and Dosso, where military units have suffered heavy casualties fighting armed Islamist groups. citeturn0news7

Niger has faced persistent attacks from groups linked to al-Qaeda and Islamic State despite the military government’s efforts to strengthen security following the 2023 coup.

The country has also moved away from traditional Western security partners and strengthened relations with Russia while forming the Alliance of Sahel States with Mali and Burkina Faso.

As of Saturday, the exact number of casualties and the full circumstances surrounding the attack remained unclear. Authorities continued security operations in parts of Niamey as they worked to establish full control.

The latest development represents a serious security challenge for Tiani’s military government and could further intensify concerns about political and military stability in the Sahel region.

Monitor Niger coup developments