At least 13 dead in attack on Niger’s main airport as security forces repel gunmen

By
Daniel Amenyo Ablordey
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An armed attack on Diori Hamani International Airport in Niger’s capital, Niamey, has left at least 13 people dead, according to Nigerien authorities.

The Nigerien government said 11 members of the security forces and two civilians were killed when gunmen launched an assault on the airport and adjacent military facilities. Authorities added that security forces repelled the attack, killing 22 assailants and arresting several suspects.

Witnesses reported hearing explosions and sustained gunfire for more than an hour around the airport, which serves as both a civilian aviation hub and an important military installation. Despite the attack, airport operations reportedly resumed later in the day.

Some reports circulating online have claimed that 35 people were killed. However, the official death toll released by Niger’s government currently stands at 13 fatalities, 11 security personnel and two civilians, with 22 attackers reportedly killed during the operation.

No group has officially claimed responsibility for the latest attack. The incident comes months after a major assault on the same airport in January 2026, which was claimed by an affiliate of the so-called Islamic State operating in the Sahel region.

The attack underscores the continuing security challenges facing Niger and the wider Sahel, where armed extremist groups linked to both al-Qaeda and the Islamic State remain active despite ongoing military operations.

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Author

  • Daniel Ablordey

    Daniel Ablordey is a Business Analytics student at the University of Ghana Business School and an emerging strategist at the intersection of data, markets, and narrative. With a keen analytical mind and a passion for African business and economic trends, he is building a career focused on translating complex data-driven insights into accessible, decision-relevant stories that matter.

    As a writer and editor with Insight Ghana, African Business Insight, and The African Journal, Daniel delivers sharp, high-impact analysis on current affairs, business developments, and emerging trends across the continent. His work is defined by precision, clarity, and a deep commitment to responsible journalism — ensuring that every story he tells is not only accurate but meaningful to the audiences it serves.

    Beyond his editorial work, Daniel serves as an Ecobank Youth Ambassador, where he actively promotes financial inclusion, digital banking, and financial literacy among young Ghanaians. His leadership experience spans academic, professional, and faith-based institutions, where he has consistently driven initiatives centered on growth, structure, and long-term impact.

    Grounded in the principles of Pan-Africanism and service, Daniel brings a rare combination of analytical rigour and storytelling depth to his work. Whether unpacking market behavior, profiling emerging business leaders, or covering cultural shifts shaping the continent, he approaches every assignment with strategic intent and editorial integrity.

    His broader ambition is to contribute to Africa's transformation by shaping how data, business, and storytelling intersect — not just locally, but on a global stage.

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Daniel Amenyo Ablordey
Daniel Amenyo Ablordey
Daniel Ablordey is a Business Analytics student at the University of Ghana Business School and an emerging strategist at the intersection of data, markets, and narrative. With a keen analytical mind and a passion for African business and economic trends, he is building a career focused on translating complex data-driven insights into accessible, decision-relevant stories that matter.

As a writer and editor with Insight Ghana, African Business Insight, and The African Journal, Daniel delivers sharp, high-impact analysis on current affairs, business developments, and emerging trends across the continent. His work is defined by precision, clarity, and a deep commitment to responsible journalism — ensuring that every story he tells is not only accurate but meaningful to the audiences it serves.

Beyond his editorial work, Daniel serves as an Ecobank Youth Ambassador, where he actively promotes financial inclusion, digital banking, and financial literacy among young Ghanaians. His leadership experience spans academic, professional, and faith-based institutions, where he has consistently driven initiatives centered on growth, structure, and long-term impact.

Grounded in the principles of Pan-Africanism and service, Daniel brings a rare combination of analytical rigour and storytelling depth to his work. Whether unpacking market behavior, profiling emerging business leaders, or covering cultural shifts shaping the continent, he approaches every assignment with strategic intent and editorial integrity.

His broader ambition is to contribute to Africa's transformation by shaping how data, business, and storytelling intersect — not just locally, but on a global stage.
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