Terrorist attack on Tahoua air base foiled by Nigerien Defense Forces
The Air Base 401 at Tahoua airport was targeted by a terrorist attack on the night of Sunday, March 8 to Monday, March 9, 2026. Thanks to the swift and professional response of the Armed Forces of Niger (FAN), several attackers were neutralized and five suspects arrested.
Around 3:05 a.m. (local time), armed individuals arriving on motorcycles targeted the military installations at Air Base 401.
The terrorists damaged several drone hangars and opened fire on the site, leaving behind bullet impacts and shell casings.
But their offensive was short-lived: the immediate response from the FDS forced them to retreat.
At dawn, the Governor of the Tahoua region, Colonel-Major Souleymane Amadou Moussa, visited the scene.
Accompanied by regional FDS officials and Refoundation advisors, he assessed the extent of the material damage.
Above all, he warmly commended the professionalism and responsiveness of the deployed personnel, whose intervention prevented a worse outcome.
The toll from this thwarted attack is significant: several assailants were neutralized, and five suspects were arrested, notably thanks to the valuable assistance of the local population.
Law enforcement also seized a substantial amount of currency and other materials from those apprehended.
At this stage, no group has claimed responsibility for this attack. However, it occurs in a tense security context, following the January 28, 2026 assault on Air Base 101 in Niamey, claimed by the Islamic State, which had led President Abdourahamane Tiani to implicate several neighboring countries.
The Governor of Tahoua moved to reassure the population and airport users. The situation is now under control, he affirmed.
The airport remains open and secure, and all activities are proceeding normally. Sweep operations continue in the area to prevent any further intrusion attempts.
Colonel-Major Souleymane Amadou Moussa called on the population to remain vigilant, urging them to report any suspicious behavior without delay via the toll-free numbers made available to them.
Once again, the joint effort between the FDS and citizens proves to be an essential bulwark against the terrorist threat.
Fayçal BADIE
