Midnight Strike Rocks Niamey Air Base, Raises Fresh Fears Over Niger’s Security Grip
A late-night attack on Air Base 101 in Niamey has shaken Niger’s capital, damaging critical military assets and fuelling fresh concerns over security stability under the junta led by General Abdourahamane Tchiani.
Explosions were reported around midnight on Wednesday at the strategic base located near Diori Hamani International Airport. The assault reportedly knocked out several military assets, including drones and fixed-wing aircraft, and caused serious damage to the Unified Force Command Centre.
Civil aviation was also affected. Four civilian aircraft parked on the tarmac sustained damage, among them an ASKY Airlines plane. Separately, an Air Côte d’Ivoire A319 aircraft was struck by gunfire between the night of January 28 and 29, 2026. No passengers or crew were onboard at the time, and no injuries were recorded, though the aircraft may be temporarily grounded as damage assessment continues.
Two trucks transporting uranium-related materials within the air base were also hit during the attack. Authorities confirmed that the cargo remained intact, preventing a potentially severe escalation.
Casualties were recorded, with ambulances seen operating around the base through the night. Security sources confirmed that some of the attackers were killed, while others were arrested and handed over to Niger’s intelligence services. The identities of those responsible, however, remain unclear.
While initial speculation pointed to extremist involvement, no group has claimed responsibility. Emerging security assessments suggest the attack may have originated from within the base itself, raising the possibility of insider involvement or a mutiny rather than an external assault.
The incident has heightened regional anxiety, with analysts warning that a breakdown in internal military cohesion could weaken Niger’s role in Sahel security and pose added risks to neighbouring countries, including Nigeria.
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