Nigerien security forces have launched a series of arrests following Thursday’s explosion and gunfire incident around Diori Hamani International Airport in Niamey, the country’s capital.
According to security analyst Brant Philip, arrests are ongoing in parts of the city, targeting individuals suspected of collaborating with those behind the attack on the airport.
In a post on X, Philip said security operations are continuing across the capital, while cautioning that such crackdowns sometimes result in the arrest of innocent people or mob attacks on individuals without verified evidence linking them to the incident.
The arrests come amid heightened security measures following heavy gunfire and explosions that rocked the area surrounding the airport earlier on Thursday, triggering panic among residents and prompting the deployment of troops to strategic locations across Niamey.
Security sources said the disturbance began in the early hours of the day, with gunfire reportedly lasting for more than two hours. Authorities had not issued an official statement as of press time, leaving the exact nature of the incident unclear.
Residents were advised to remain indoors as security forces established cordons around key locations, including the Hospital Roundabout, while heavily armed troops and military vehicles were deployed at checkpoints leading to the Presidential Palace.
Diori Hamani International Airport, located about 10 kilometres from the Presidential Palace, also hosts Air Base 101, one of Niger’s most important military facilities. Investigations into the incident remain ongoing, and no group had claimed responsibility at the time of filing this report.
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