Gunfire, explosions heard in Niger’s capital Niamey

Gunfire and explosions were heard across Niger’s capital, Niamey, overnight into the early hours of Saturday morning.

Attackers had targeted Diori Hamani International Airport, which also houses a military air base, and attempted to breach the security perimeter around ​the presidency.

“Another cowardly attack on Base 101 and once again our defense and security forces ensured … Situation under control,” said lawmaker Bana Wagana Ibrahim, who serves on the Consultative Council.

Niamey has been targeted twice this year: once by the so-called “Islamic State in the Sahel” group (EIS) and again in June by their rivals from the Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM).

Niger, like its Sahelian neighbors Mali and Burkina Faso, has for years been ruled by a military junta that has struggled to stem a jihadi insurgency.