Gunfire, explosions reported in Niger capital Niamey

Sustained gunfire and explosions erupted across several areas of Niger's capital, Niamey, early on Saturday, August 29, 2026, with witnesses reporting clashes near a major military base and the presidential palace. The cause of the violence was not immediately clear, though a security source indicated that attackers had targeted the city's international airport and attempted to breach the security perimeter around the presidency. Local residents and Reuters witnesses described heavy and persistent shooting around Base 101, a significant military installation located near Diori Hamani International Airport, and in the administrative district housing the presidential palace and national television station. Videos circulated on social media showed armoured vehicles deployed to reinforce the neighbourhood near the airport. A member of Niger's ruling military council, Bana Wagana Ibrahim, stated on social media that security forces had repelled an attack on Base 101 and that the situation was under control. A second security source told Reuters that attackers had been "neutralised" and that search operations were underway, with some assailants fleeing.