Heavy gunfire and explosions have rocked parts of Niamey, the capital of Niger Republic, with the international airport and security installations near the presidency reportedly targeted.

The incident occurred in the early hours of Saturday and reportedly lasted for about two hours, raising concerns over a possible jihadist assault or an attempted coup in the junta-led country.

According to Reuters, the attack marks the third major security incident recorded in Niamey this year.

Airport, presidential security zone targeted

Bana Ibrahim, a member of Niger’s Bureau of the Consultative Council, confirmed the attack in a Facebook post, saying security and defence forces had successfully brought the situation under control.

However, witnesses reportedly told Reuters that gunfire continued after Ibrahim’s announcement.

The identities of the attackers and their motive remained unknown as of the time of filing this report.

Jihadists or coup plotters?

The attack has triggered speculation over the identity of the perpetrators, with analysts considering jihadist groups and internal military actors among the possible suspects.

Niger has been battling persistent jihadist violence from groups linked to Islamic State and al-Qaeda affiliates operating across the Sahel and Lake Chad regions.

Previous attacks have also targeted strategic locations in Niamey, including the international airport.

French journalist and Sahel conflict reporter, Wasim Nasir, said the latest incident was likely a “coup d’état” and/or a settling of scores among military personnel.

Conflict researcher Hasret Kargin, however, said there was currently no conclusive information to establish whether the attackers were jihadists or coup plotters.

Kargin added that rebel groups could also be considered among the possible perpetrators.

Niger remains under military rule

Niger has been under the control of a military junta led by General Abdourahamane Tchiani since July 2023, when the military overthrew the democratically elected government of President Mohamed Bazoum.

Bazoum was subsequently detained by the junta and has remained in custody.

Since taking power, the military administration has faced continued jihadist attacks as well as strained relations with ECOWAS following the coup.

No group had claimed responsibility for Saturday’s attack as of the time of filing this report.

The Nigerien government had also not issued any further official statement providing details on the attack or identifying those behind the incident.