The Islamic State group has claimed responsibility for an overnight attack on Diori Hamani International Airport in Niamey, Niger’s capital, in what analysts describe as a rare strike close to the centre of the city.
In a statement circulated on Friday, the group’s media arm, Amaq News Agency, said fighters of the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (ISGS) carried out a “surprise and coordinated” operation on the night of January 29–30, targeting Air Base 101, which is located within the airport complex.
According to Amaq, the operation caused “significant damage” and inflicted “heavy losses” on Nigerien forces. However, Nigerien authorities have yet to release official casualty figures. Airport operations reportedly continued after the incident, while assessments of damage were ongoing.
Security sources cited by Zagazola Makama reported that the assault, which lasted several hours on the night of January 28–29, was carried out by armed attackers riding motorcycles. The assailants allegedly switched off their headlights to infiltrate the city undetected.
The attackers reportedly targeted military installations co-located with the civilian airport, including drone platforms, air defence systems and parked commercial aircraft belonging to Air Côte d’Ivoire and ASKY Airlines. Mortars, drones and small arms were said to have been used during the attack.
The Nigerien Defence and Security Forces, with support from personnel of the Russian African Corps, repelled the assault. Official sources said four security personnel were injured, while 20 attackers were neutralised, 11 apprehended, and several motorcycles destroyed or seized. No civilian casualties were reported.
Reacting to the incident, Niger’s military leader, Gen. Abdourahamane Tiani, accused France, Benin and Côte d’Ivoire of backing the attackers, while commending Russia for its support to Niger’s defence efforts.
However, the Islamic State’s claim of responsibility appears to contradict the initial assertions by Niger’s ruling junta, with Amaq insisting that the operation was carried out solely by ISGS fighters.
The Nigerien authorities have not yet formally responded to the Islamic State’s claim.
