Local media and an Associated Press witness say heavy gunfire and explosions were heard overnight into Saturday morning in Niger’s capital of Niamey.

The incident reportedly began around 1:00 a.m. on August 29, 2026, with heavy exchanges of gunfire and explosions heard in several parts of the capital.

Residents of Niger's capital Niamey on Saturday reported hearing gunfire near a military base at the international airport, which has been attacked by jihadists twice this year.