BREAKING: Heavy Gunfire and Explosions Rock Niger’s Capital Near International Airport
By London blogger January 29, 2026
NIAMEY, Niger — Sustained heavy gunfire and powerful explosions erupted in the early hours of Thursday near the Diori Hamani International Airport in Niger’s capital, Niamey, sending residents into a panic and sparking fears of a fresh security crisis in the West African nation.
The blasts, which began shortly after midnight, were accompanied by the visible activation of air defense systems. Eyewitness videos circulating on social media showed tracer fire and interceptors engaging unidentified projectiles in the night sky over the airport district.
Situation “Under Control” After Two Hours of Chaos
Residents in neighborhoods surrounding the airport—which sits just 10km (six miles) from the presidential palace—reported nearly two continuous hours of combat noise. By 3:00 AM local time, reports indicated that the gunfire had ceased and a tense calm had returned to the capital.
An official from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs attempted to de-escalate the situation in a brief statement to the Anadolu news agency:
“The situation is under control. There is no need to worry,” the official stated, though they declined to provide specifics on the nature of the “threat” or whether there were casualties.
The Uranium Connection: A Possible Motive?
While the military government, led by General Abdourahamane Tiani, has yet to issue a formal communiqué, investigators are reportedly looking into a high-stakes diplomatic standoff involving the country’s natural resources.
A massive shipment of uranium—a key export for Niger—is currently grounded at the airport. The shipment has been the subject of an intense legal and diplomatic feud with France following the junta’s decision to nationalize uranium mines after the 2023 coup.
Officials are currently investigating whether the overnight “attack” or “engagement” was an attempt to interfere with this shipment or if it was related to the ongoing insurgency by jihadist groups that have plagued the Sahel region.
| Location Profile: Diori Hamani International |
| Strategic Importance: Houses a major Nigerien Air Force base. |
| Proximity: 10km (6 miles) from the Presidential Palace. |
| Economic Note: Holding site for nationalized uranium exports. |
| Security Status: Under military control as of Jan 29, 2026. |
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