Gunfire, explosions heard near military base in Niger capital

Gunfire and explosions were heard in Niger’s capital Niamey early Saturday, including near a military base at the city’s international airport, according to local residents.

The cause of the shooting was not immediately clear.

Niger’s military urged residents to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information, saying defence and security forces had been mobilised.

One resident told AFP that “heavy gunfire and explosions” were heard around Air Force Base 101, while other witnesses reported shooting continuing from around 1 am local time until daybreak.

Videos circulating online showed armoured vehicles deployed near the airport.