Micah Jonah
January 31, 2026
The Islamic State has claimed responsibility for a deadly attack on Niamey International Airport in Niger, according to a statement released on Friday. The assault, described by the group as a “surprise and coordinated attack,” reportedly caused significant damage, though no detailed casualty figures were provided.
The attack began on Wednesday night with gunfire and explosions before Niger forces restored calm on Thursday morning. The attackers reportedly arrived on motorcycles, were repelled by security forces. Niger’s Defence Ministry reported four soldiers were wounded, a stockpile of ammunition was destroyed by fire, and several civilian aircraft sustained damage. Niger said it killed 20 attackers, injured 11 during the operation.
Earlier, Niger’s military ruler, Abdourahamane Tiani, accused the Presidents of France, Benin, and Ivory Coast of backing the assault, a claim Benin dismissed as unfounded.
The incident is part of a broader pattern of jihadist violence in Niger, particularly in the Tillaberi region, which has seen over 120 deaths in attacks last year and the abduction of an American pilot in October. Niger continues to face challenges in containing armed groups linked to al Qaeda and Islamic State.
Niger authorities have vowed retaliation; however, the security situation remains fragile in the region.
