Niger security forces repelled a terrorist attack on Air Base 401 at Tahoua Airport during the night of March 8–9, 2026, after armed assailants on motorcycles stormed the facility and opened fire on military installations.
According to the Nigerien Press Agency, the attackers damaged several drone hangars before the rapid intervention of the Defense and Security Forces forced them to retreat.
Several assailants were neutralized during the confrontation, while five suspects were arrested with the help of local residents. Authorities also seized a significant amount of cash and other equipment from those detained.
Tahoua regional governor Souleymane Amadou Moussa visited the site on Monday to assess the damage alongside regional security chiefs, praising the professionalism of the forces involved in the response.
The incident follows a similar January 28 attack on Niamey Air Base 101 that was claimed by the Islamic State through its Amaq propaganda channel and left 20 attackers dead and 11 arrested.
Following that assault, Niger’s leader Abdourahamane Tiani accused France, Ivory Coast and Benin of involvement, allegations rejected by the two West African countries.
Authorities in Tahoua say the situation is now under control, the airport remains operational and search operations are ongoing as security forces work to prevent further attacks.
