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.
The military base has previously been targeted by armed terror groups operating in the Sahel. Daesh terror group in the Sahel (EIS) claimed an attack on the airport in January, while the Al Qaeda-linked Group (JNIM) attacked the site in June.
Authorities said 20 attackers were killed and four soldiers wounded in the January assault. At least 11 soldiers and two civilians were killed in the June attack, along with 22 attackers.
Niger has faced years of violence by armed groups also operating across neighbouring Mali and Burkina Faso.
Air Force Base 101 also hosts personnel from Russia’s Africa Corps and the command of the unified force of the Alliance of Sahel States, comprising Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso.
