Niamey, Nigeria – A violent armed attack targeted a complex housing an airport and a military airbase in the Nigerian capital, Niamey, on Thursday morning, resulting in a heavy toll of casualties.
The Nigerien government announced in an official statement that the attack left 11 members of the security forces and two civilians dead. It also confirmed that 22 attackers were killed in the ensuing clashes. The al-Qaeda-affiliated group Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) quickly claimed responsibility for the attack, according to ShareWire.
Details of the surprise attack
An eyewitness told Reuters that the first explosions were heard around 6:00 a.m. local time (05:00 GMT). This was followed by sporadic gunfire that lasted for about two hours in the vicinity.
Reuters had reported earlier on Thursday that army units were conducting extensive search operations for militants around the airport and military base after hearing the explosions and heavy gunfire. The airport and airbase are located in the same complex. The base is situated opposite the civilian passenger terminal.
turbulent security context
This incident comes amid escalating security threats in Niger, where the Islamic State group in the region previously claimed responsibility for an attack on the same complex last January. The group claimed to have targeted the air force headquarters and drones in an attempt to disrupt counter-insurgency operations.
The attacks were not confined to the capital; two security sources reported that armed men launched coordinated attacks on Wednesday targeting the Banybangu and Inates military bases in the Tillabéri region of western Nigeria. These attacks resulted in 10 deaths and more than 40 injuries. This occurred amidst reports that the army had abandoned its base in Inates.
regional security crisis
These developments highlight the ongoing struggle of Niger, and its neighbors Mali and Burkina Faso, to contain attacks by extremist groups linked to al-Qaeda and ISIS.
These escalating attacks in the Sahel region have killed thousands and displaced millions across the three countries. This poses existential challenges for local governments in establishing control and restoring security in areas affected by the ongoing armed conflicts.
