Niger’s military forces said they had retaken a strategically important airbase in the capital on Sunday, one day after mutinous troops launched an attack. The incident represents the latest challenge to military ruler Abdourahamane Tiani as his government struggles to confront a persistent jihadist insurgency.

The assault highlighted growing strains within Niger’s armed forces, which have endured repeated battlefield setbacks while fighting al-Qaeda-linked groups and Islamic State affiliates operating across the region.

Explosions and gunfire were reported throughout Niamey early Saturday, including in areas surrounding the military airbase and the presidential complex. Three security sources told Reuters on Sunday that government forces had regained control of the airbase following several hours of fighting.

By Sunday, residents described the capital as largely peaceful. Aircraft continued to fly overhead, while authorities removed roadblocks that had been put in place during the unrest.

The airbase forms part of the same complex as Niamey’s civilian airport. It houses military aircraft and drones, along with a counterterrorism unit belonging to the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), the regional alliance comprising Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso.

Russian and Italian military personnel are also based at the facility.

Viktor Voropaev, Russia’s ambassador to Niger, said Saturday that Africa Corps, the Kremlin-controlled paramilitary organization, had been asked to assist in efforts to neutralize the mutineers in Niamey.

Niger’s presidential office said Algeria also provided assistance, sending four fighter jets, a transport aircraft, and a refueling tanker that arrived on Sunday.

Airbase had already faced two jihadist attacks in 2026

Saturday’s assault was not the first attack against the airbase this year. The facility had previously been targeted in January by a regional Islamic State affiliate and again in June by a regional al-Qaeda affiliate.

Niger’s state media reported late Saturday that “hundreds of disaffected soldiers” had participated in the assault. According to the report, fighting continued for several hours as forces loyal to military leader Tiani attempted to restore government control.

State media also broadcast footage that purported to show mutineers surrendering, although Reuters said it had not independently verified the report.

Three security sources said the Presidential Guard mobilized to defend Tiani. The military ruler himself had made no public appearance as of Sunday morning.

Niger, a major West African producer with significant uranium, oil, and gold resources, has been under military rule since July 2023, when a coup removed President Mohamed Bazoum from power.

Sahel military governments face mounting jihadist threat

Tiani, along with the military leaders governing neighboring Burkina Faso and Mali, has struggled to demonstrate significant progress in the fight against jihadist groups.

An Islamic State affiliate has carried out repeated deadly attacks against Niger’s military in the country’s southwest. One assault earlier this month left 18 soldiers dead.

The mutiny reportedly involved troops stationed in Niamey as well as soldiers from Ouallam, Tera, and Dosso. Those areas have suffered significant military losses during the country’s ongoing fight against insurgents.

Security officials and analysts say dissatisfaction among frontline troops is increasing, potentially creating an additional threat to Tiani’s government beyond the jihadist insurgency itself.

Since taking power, Tiani’s government has reduced its reliance on Western partners, strengthened its relationship with Russia, and withdrawn from the regional Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) bloc.

The latest unrest comes as Niger’s authorities expand their control over the country’s uranium industry. The government has seized assets belonging to French nuclear company Orano. Niger had previously been an important source of nuclear fuel for Europe, supplying approximately 15% of Orano’s uranium at full production capacity.

The combination of persistent jihadist violence, military casualties, internal discontent, and shifting international alliances now presents Tiani’s government with multiple security and political challenges.