Intense gunfire and multiple explosions were reported early Thursday near Niamey’s international airport, according to a Reuters journalist on the ground.
The sustained gunfire, which began nearly an hour prior, remained ongoing at 00:12 GMT, the journalist confirmed.
A video shared on platform X captured the capital’s skyline illuminated by flashes of gunfire. However, Reuters could not independently verify the authenticity of the footage.
A spokesperson for Niger’s military government, which seized power in 2023, could not immediately be reached for comment.
The Niger government faces persistent security challenges, including armed insurgencies by jihadist factions linked to Al Qaïda and the Islamic State. These threats mirror those faced by neighboring countries such as Mali and Burkina Faso.
