Niger: search underway for attackers who killed 11 soldiers at Niamey airport

Suspected jihadists launched a deadly attack on the Diori Hamani International Airport in Niamey, the capital of Niger, on Thursday, resulting in at least 11 soldiers and two civilians being killed. The assault, which occurred during the early hours of the day, saw gunfire echoing for several hours near the airport, prompting a significant military response. According to reports, the attackers, some of whom were equipped with explosive devices, managed to breach the airport’s security checkpoints before encountering fierce resistance from local security forces. The incident marks the second major attack targeting the airport within a few months, highlighting the persistent threat posed by extremist groups in the region.

The attack unfolded shortly after 6 a.m., as noted by a resident who called the AFP, describing the initial sounds of gunfire originating from the airport’s main entrance. This location features a security checkpoint where vehicles and individuals undergo routine checks. An airport official confirmed that the assailants had arrived at the checkpoint via taxi, indicating a level of planning and coordination. Despite the resistance, the attackers were able to disperse into nearby neighborhoods, where security forces conducted extensive searches with assistance from local residents. These residents reportedly used makeshift tools such as sticks and machetes to aid in the pursuit of suspected militants.

The Nigerian defense ministry issued a statement confirming that 22 attackers were eliminated during the operation. It also reported that approximately 20 suspects were apprehended, along with four injured individuals. A large-scale military operation was initiated to ensure the complete elimination of all remaining threats. Despite the ongoing security operations, the airport remained operational, though flight schedules were affected, with several flights either rerouted or delayed, as observed by tracking services like Flightradar24.

This latest attack follows a similar one in late January, when the airport and adjacent military installations were targeted by a group affiliated with the Islamic State in the Sahel (EIS). That attack, which resulted in the deaths of 20 assailants and injuries to four soldiers, was repelled by Nigerian forces supported by Russian military advisors. In the aftermath, the government criticized France, accusing it of funding terrorist activities, a claim that Paris has consistently denied. General Abdourahamane Tiani, the leader of the military junta that took control of Niger following a 2023 coup, referred to the January attack as evidence of a “flaw in the system” that allowed extremists to target critical infrastructure.

In response to the recurring threats, the Nigerian authorities have implemented a series of security measures aimed at bolstering defenses around the airport. These include the demolition of illegal structures in nearby areas, extending the perimeter fence, and installing over 350 surveillance cameras both inside and outside the airport grounds. Such actions reflect the government’s growing concern about the effectiveness of current security protocols against increasingly sophisticated militant tactics.

Local residents and security personnel continue to play a crucial role in maintaining safety, with many contributing to the search efforts by assisting military units in clearing the surrounding neighborhoods. The collaboration between civilian populations and security forces underscores the complex dynamics at play in the fight against terrorism in Niger. As the situation evolves, the focus will likely shift towards strengthening long-term security strategies and addressing the root causes of extremism in the region.