Air Base 401 at Tahoua Airport in Niger was the target of a terrorist attack on the night of Sunday, March 8, to Monday, March 9, 2026.
Several assailants were neutralised and five suspects arrested, according to Niger security sources.
The regional governor visited the scene of the attack to assess the damage and commend the professionalism of the security forces.
The Tahoua region (central-west) governor Colonel-Major Souleymane Amadou Moussa, visited the scene on Monday.
The attack on Air Base 401 at Tahoua Airport saw armed individuals, arriving on motorcycles, damaged several drone hangars and opened fire on the military installations.
Bullet holes and shell casings were found at the site. The swift response of the defense and security forces (FDS) forced the attackers to retreat.
Accompanied by regional FDS officials and advisors from the Refoundation party, the governor assessed the damage on site and commended the security forces for their professionalism.
Several attackers were neutralised and five suspects arrested, with the assistance of the local population.
A significant amount of currency and other equipment were seized from those arrested. At this stage, no group has claimed responsibility for the attack.
This incident comes after the January 28, 2026 attack on Niamey Air Base 101, claimed by the Islamic State through its Amaq propaganda agency, during which 20 attackers were neutralized and 11 arrested.
The President of Niger, General Abdourahamane Tiani, had then accused France, Ivory Coast, and Benin of sponsoring the attackers—accusations firmly denied by Abidjan and Cotonou.
The Governor of Tahoua assured the public that the situation is now under control, that the airport remains open and secure, and that all activities are proceeding normally.
He called on the population to remain vigilant and report any suspicious behavior via the available
toll-free numbers, specifying that search operations are continuing to prevent any further incursions.
AC/fss/as/APA