Niger’s defense and security forces have repelled an overnight attack on a military drone base at Tahoua Airport, neutralizing dozens of assailants and arresting several suspects, authorities confirmed.
According to local reports, at least 40 attackers were killed by the Defense and Security Forces (DFS) during the assault on Air Base 401 in Tahoua on the night of March 8–9, 2026. Five additional suspects were captured following the operation, with assistance from the local population.
Security forces respond swiftly
Officials said the attackers were found in possession of a significant amount of currency and various equipment, though the identities of the assailants have not yet been officially confirmed. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack.
Authorities reported that the confrontation resulted in minor injuries among government forces and limited damage to some equipment at the base.
Governor assesses situation at air base
Speaking while assessing the situation at the site, Governor of Tahoua Region Colonel-Major Souleymane Amadou Moussa said the objective of the visit was to evaluate the aftermath of the incident and reassure the public.
“There was an attack on Base 401 in Tahoua which caused minor damage to some equipment. The strong response from the defense and security forces forced the enemy to retreat quickly,” the governor said.
He added that security forces were able to neutralize several attackers and capture five others during the operation.
On behalf of the country’s leadership, Governor Souleymane congratulated the defense and security forces for their rapid and decisive response, noting that the situation had been brought under control.
“The population is going about its activities as usual,” he said, adding that Tahoua Airport remains open and secure, with all airport operations continuing normally.
The governor also called on residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with authorities as part of the country’s broader national mobilization.
“Each inhabitant of the Tahoua region must be a sentinel of the refounding,” he said, urging citizens to report any suspicious or foreign activity that could threaten regional security.
He further noted that toll-free numbers have been made available for the public to report potential threats, enabling security forces to respond quickly to attempts aimed at destabilizing the region or the country.
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The attempted attack comes amid ongoing security challenges across Niger and the wider Sahel, where governments have faced repeated attacks by armed groups, including factions linked to the Islamic State group and other jihadist organizations.
Niger, like neighboring countries in the Sahel, has faced repeated attacks targeting both military installations and civilian communities. In January 2026, security forces also thwarted an attempted militant attack in the capital, Niamey.
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