By Jean-Pierre A.
Niger’s Ministry of Defence has blamed France for Thursday’s deadly attack on the West African nation’s international airport, which claimed the lives of 11 soldiers, two civilians, and 22 attackers, even as the jihadist group JNIM claimed responsibility for the assault that caused confusion and panic in the capital city.
The attack was the second on the airport since January 29, 2026, signalling growing security challenges in the country as jihadists continue to target strategic infrastructure, including Niamey International Airport.
The Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM), which operates across the Sahel region, claimed responsibility for Thursday’s attack.
In a statement read on national television on Thursday evening, the Minister of Defence said a vast operation was underway and that the airport had been “totally secured” and remained open to air traffic.
The military junta also accused, without providing evidence, its former colonial power, France, of being behind the attack. This is not the first time Niamey has accused Paris of supporting the attackers. In January, Niger accused France, Benin, and Côte d’Ivoire of being behind the January 29 attack on the country’s international airport.
According to Radio France Internationale (RFI), JNIM, in a brief statement published through its usual propaganda channel, Az-Zallaqa, claimed to have carried out “a suicide attack on Diori Hamani International Airport and the nearby military base.”
The airport area and surrounding neighbourhoods were cordoned off by midday, as were areas around the presidential and prime ministerial offices in Niamey, RFI reported. Checkpoints were visible throughout the capital, along with searches and identity checks. All security units in the capital were placed on high alert.
Media reports and social media accounts said explosions and gunfire were heard at dawn on Thursday, around 6 a.m. The shooting reportedly continued for more than two hours. AFP reported that the assailants, travelling on motorbikes, managed to reach the airport perimeter but encountered resistance from security forces before dispersing into areas surrounding the airport.
Meanwhile, the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, strongly condemned the terrorist attack carried out on June 18, 2026, against Niamey International Airport in the Republic of Niger.
“The Chairperson extends his sincere condolences to the families of the victims, as well as to the authorities and people of Niger, and wishes a speedy recovery to those injured,” a statement said. Youssouf commended “the swift response of the Nigerien Defence and Security Forces, whose actions helped repel the attack and secure the airport facilities.”
The Chairperson reaffirmed “the solidarity of the African Union with the Republic of Niger in the fight against terrorism and violent extremism” and reiterated the organisation’s commitment to supporting efforts aimed at preserving peace, security, and stability across the continent.
JNIM is the most powerful and active al-Qaeda affiliate in the Sahel region of West Africa. It was formed in 2017 through a coalition of four militant groups in Mali. The group now controls vast territories across Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, and regularly launches attacks in coastal West African states.
