Niamey: A major terrorist attack took place in Niamey, the capital of West African country Niger, on Thursday morning. Armed attackers started firing at Diori Hamani International Airport. After this attack targeting the security post, there was firing between the army and the terrorists for several hours. 11 soldiers and 2 civilians were killed in the attack. In retaliation, security forces killed 22 terrorists.
When and how did the attack happen?
According to Niger’s defence ministry, the attack took place at around 6 am on Thursday. The attackers reached near the airport by taxi and suddenly started firing at the security post. Within no time, the sound of bullets started echoing in the entire area. It was clear from the number of attackers and their planning that this attack was planned in advance.
How did the security forces handle the situation?
As soon as the news of the attack was received, the army and security agencies came into action. The area was immediately sealed. After the operation that lasted for several hours, the situation came under control by afternoon. Officials said that the airport has been completely secured. Right now flights are also coming and going normally. The passengers were stopped for some time for checking.
How many people were killed? How many were injured?
According to the defence ministry, 11 soldiers and 2 civilians were killed in this attack. 22 terrorists were killed in retaliatory firing. Apart from this, 4 people have been injured who are undergoing treatment. After the attack, about 20 suspects are being detained and interrogated. Security agencies are trying to find out whether the attackers had local help or not.
Is this the second major attack in a few months?
This attack took place about 5 months after the major terrorist attack of January 2026. Even then the organisation associated with Islamic State had targeted the airport complex. Due to continuous attacks, questions are being raised on the security system of Niger. There is pressure on the government to root out the network of terrorists.
Why is the airport the target of terrorists?
Diori Hamani International Airport is not just for general flights. This is also an important military base. The G5 Sahel counter-terrorism force, Russian troops and drone units are deployed here. The biggest thing – Uranium is also stored on the airport premises. For this reason its strategic importance is very high. The terrorists want to shake the entire government by weakening it.
What steps were taken to enhance security?
Airport security was tightened in the last few months. The work of removing illegal settlements built nearby had started. The boundary wall of the airport was widened and more than 350 CCTV cameras were installed. Despite this, such a big attack is a big challenge for the security agencies. Now the question is that despite such strictness, how did the attackers reach inside?
The Niger government has strongly condemned the attack and said that the culprits will not be spared. Right now there is high alert in the entire city.
