Heavy gunfire and loud explosions were reported around the international airport in Niger's capital, Niamey, in what two security sources have described as a "terrorist attack". The incident occurred shortly before midnight on Wednesday, with calm returning to the city by Thursday morning.
Security Forces Respond to Airport Incident
According to a Reuters witness, businesses and schools remained open in the city of approximately 1.5 million people, with citizens moving about freely despite the overnight violence. However, a cordoned-off zone near the airport was being heavily patrolled by defence and security forces throughout Thursday.
The heavy gunfire began shortly before midnight and continued for over an hour, creating significant disturbance in the capital area. A video shared on social media platform X appeared to show the city's night skyline illuminated by gunfire, though Reuters has not independently verified this footage.
Uranium Stockpile at Centre of Security Concerns
Security sources confirmed that a store of uranium currently held at the airport had not been affected by the attack. Nigerien authorities had moved the uranium yellowcake late last year from the Somair mine in Arlit to the Niamey base for export after seizing control of the mine from French nuclear group Orano.
Two additional sources estimated the stockpile to be around 1,000 metric tons of uranium, with confirmation that the material remained at the airport during Wednesday night's incident. Yellowcake, or uranium oxide concentrate, represents a powdered form of uranium that can be processed to make fuel for nuclear power production.
Reinforced Security Presence Across Capital
The Reuters witness noted that a reinforced security presence was visible on the main thoroughfares of the capital on Thursday, particularly on the road leading toward the airport. Security sources indicated that protection had been strengthened around the airport following an internal alert about an imminent attack on the site.
A spokesperson for Niger's military government, which seized power in a July 2023 coup, was not immediately available for comment regarding the incident or the security measures implemented.
Regional Context of Jihadist Violence
Niger, like its Sahel neighbours Mali and Burkina Faso, has struggled to contain attacks from jihadist groups linked to al Qaeda and Islamic State. These militant organisations have killed thousands and displaced millions across the three nations in recent years.
The security situation in Niger has drawn international concern, with an American missionary kidnapped in Niamey in October prompting the United States to warn its citizens against travelling to the country. Last year, five Indian citizens, a Swiss citizen, and an Austrian citizen were kidnapped in more remote parts of Niger.
The incident at Niamey's international airport represents the latest security challenge facing the West African nation as it contends with ongoing militant threats while managing sensitive materials like uranium stockpiles.
