At least 35 people have been killed in an attack on an airport in Niger, according to officials, as Islamist militant groups continue to expand their operations across the Sahel region. The assault, which took place near the capital Niamey, targeted a military transport hub used by foreign forces, including French and American personnel. The attack has prompted the British government to prepare an immediate travel ban for the region, with the Foreign Office expected to issue a statement within hours.
The violence marks a significant escalation in a conflict that has already displaced millions across West Africa. Niger, once considered a stable partner in the fight against jihadist groups, has seen a surge in attacks since the military coup in July 2023. The new junta, which expelled French troops and turned to Russian mercenaries, has struggled to contain the insurgency.
Initial reports from the scene describe a coordinated assault involving heavy weapons and suicide bombers. The airport, located approximately 45 kilometres east of Niamey, was used for logistics and training operations. Witnesses reported prolonged gunfire and explosions before security forces regained control. No group has yet claimed responsibility, but analysts point to links with the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (ISGS) and JNIM, an al-Qaeda affiliate.
The attack underscores the deteriorating security situation in Niger, which has lost territory to insurgents despite increased military spending. The junta has relied heavily on Russian support, including the Wagner Group mercenaries, but their presence has not curbed the violence. Regional experts argue that the coup has fractured the security apparatus and emboldened militant groups.
In London, the Foreign Office has convened an emergency meeting to discuss the implications for British nationals and interests. A travel ban for Niger is widely expected to be imposed, barring all but essential travel. The UK had already advised against travel to large parts of the country, but this attack is likely to extend the ban nationwide. Similar restrictions are in place for neighbouring Mali and Burkina Faso, both of which have experienced military coups and rising jihadist violence.
The United Nations has condemned the attack, with the Secretary-General calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities. The African Union has also voiced concern, warning that the Sahel region is becoming a new epicentre of global terrorism. However, international response has been hampered by political divisions and the withdrawal of Western forces from the region.
For the British government, the travel ban represents a pragmatic measure to protect citizens, but also reflects a broader reassessment of engagement in the Sahel. The UK has maintained a limited military presence in the region, primarily focused on training and intelligence sharing. But with the collapse of security in Niger, officials are questioning the effectiveness of such commitments.
In Niger itself, the attack has ignited fresh anger against the junta. Local media report protests in the capital demanding better protection. The junta has promised a tough response, but its capacity remains in doubt. The airport massacre is the deadliest in Niger since 2017, when an attack on a border post killed 21 soldiers.
As the situation evolves, the focus now turns to whether the UK and other Western nations can coordinate a response that addresses both immediate security threats and the underlying political instability. Without a coherent strategy, the Sahel risks becoming a permanent flashpoint for international terrorism.
