Russian forces have confirmed their direct involvement in repelling a rare and highly coordinated attack on Niger’s main airport in the capital, Niamey, an assault later claimed by the armed group ISIL. The acknowledgement marks one of the clearest public admissions by Moscow of an active combat role for its troops in the Sahel.
In a statement on Monday, Russia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the attack on the Diori Hamani International Airport was thwarted through what it described as joint efforts by the Russian Defence Ministry’s African Corps and Nigerien armed forces. Niger’s ruling military authorities had earlier said “Russian partners” played a key role in foiling the assault, which targeted both the civilian airport and an adjacent military base.
According to Niger’s government, 20 attackers were killed during the fighting, including a French national, while four Nigerien soldiers were wounded. State television reported that at least 11 suspected fighters were captured alive. ISIL later claimed responsibility for what it called a “surprise and coordinated attack” carried out on the night of January 28.
Footage released by the ISIL-linked Amaq news agency showed dozens of gunmen firing assault rifles near aircraft hangars, setting at least one plane ablaze, and fleeing the scene on motorbikes. Security analysts said the scale and execution of the operation were unusual for an attack on the capital.
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Ulf Laessing, head of the Sahel programme at Germany’s Konrad Adenauer Foundation, told the Associated Press that the sophistication of the assault, including indications the attackers may have used drones, pointed to possible inside assistance. He said previous successful operations in the region may have emboldened the group to strike more symbolic and heavily guarded targets.
Russia’s Foreign Ministry strongly condemned the attack and suggested it followed a pattern seen elsewhere in the region, referencing a similar assault on Mali’s capital airport in September 2024. The ministry claimed that “external forces” providing training and technical support were involved, without naming specific actors.
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In a further sign of deepening military ties, Niger’s junta leader, Abdourahamane Tchiani, visited a Russian military base in Niamey to personally thank Russian personnel for what Moscow described as their high level of professionalism during the defence of the airport.
Niger’s military initially accused Benin, France, and Ivory Coast of backing the attackers, allegations all three countries denied. France, Niger’s former colonial ruler, withdrew its troops from the country in 2023.
Russia has steadily expanded its military footprint across Africa since its invasion of Ukraine, deploying forces or instructors to countries including Burkina Faso, the Central African Republic, Libya, and Equatorial Guinea. In the Sahel, its African Corps has replaced the Wagner mercenary group, with Moscow saying its mission is to combat armed groups and bolster regional stability.