At least 35 people were killed after armed militants launched a major assault on Niger’s largest airport in the capital, Niamey, on Thursday, marking the second attack on the facility in less than five months.
According to Niger’s Defence Ministry, the death toll included 22 attackers, 11 soldiers and two civilians. Authorities also reported that four militants were wounded while 20 suspects were arrested during and after the operation.
Residents living near Diori Hamani International Airport said they were startled by explosions and gunfire shortly after completing their morning prayers.
One resident told media that the sounds began around dawn, initially resembling a tyre explosion before it became clear that an attack was underway.
The airport, which also houses a military base and facilities linked to the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), is considered one of the country’s most strategically important locations.
Security forces responded quickly and managed to regain control of the area by mid-morning before launching a large-scale manhunt for any remaining suspects.
Later on Thursday, the Al-Qaeda-linked militant group Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) claimed responsibility for the attack.
Authorities said a significant cache of weapons was recovered during the operation, including RPG-7 launchers, AK-47 rifles, grenades, explosives, communication devices and thousands of rounds of ammunition.
Witnesses reported that some local residents attempted to assist security forces by joining the search efforts. However, officials reportedly discouraged civilians from becoming directly involved in the operation.
One resident said the attackers had blended into nearby communities, making it difficult for authorities to immediately identify and locate all suspects.
Security measures around the airport remained heightened throughout the day, with officers conducting vehicle inspections and tightening access to the surrounding area.
African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf strongly condemned the attack and praised Nigerien security forces for successfully repelling the assault and securing the airport complex.
Niger has been battling extremist insurgencies for more than a decade, with militant groups linked to both Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State maintaining a presence across parts of the Sahel region.
The latest incident comes just months after another attack on the same airport in January, when authorities said 20 attackers were killed and four military personnel were injured.
In response to ongoing security threats, Nigerien authorities have recently expanded protective measures around the airport, including the demolition of nearby settlements considered security risks, the extension of perimeter fencing and the installation of more than 350 surveillance cameras.
The attack highlights the continuing security challenges facing Niger and its regional allies as they struggle to contain extremist violence across West Africa.
