Russia has confirmed that its military personnel assisted Nigerien forces in repelling an attack claimed by the ISIL armed group on Niger’s main international airport in the capital, Niamey.
In a statement issued on Monday, Russia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the assault was thwarted through joint efforts by the Russian Ministry of Defence’s African Corps and Niger’s armed forces. Moscow also strongly condemned what it described as a “latest extremist attack” targeting critical infrastructure.
Niger’s ruling military authorities had earlier stated that “Russian partners” supported security forces during the incident, which occurred near the Diori Hamani International Airport on the night of January 28. According to Nigerien officials, at least 20 attackers were killed during the operation, while four soldiers sustained injuries. State television reported that 11 suspected fighters were captured alive.
ISIL later claimed responsibility for what it described as a coordinated and unexpected assault on the airbase, which also hosts military facilities. A video circulated by ISIL-linked media outlet Amaq appeared to show armed men firing near aircraft hangars and setting at least one plane on fire before retreating on motorbikes.
Russia’s foreign ministry said similar patterns had been observed in earlier attacks in the region, including a September 2024 assault on an international airport in Mali. The ministry suggested that external support, including technical or instructional assistance, may be contributing to the increased sophistication of such operations.
Niger’s military leader, Abdourahamane Tchiani, later visited the Russian military base in Niamey, where he expressed gratitude for what Moscow described as the “high level of professionalism” shown by Russian personnel during the defence of the airport.
Security analysts say the scale and coordination of the attack indicate a shift in tactics by armed groups operating in the Sahel. Ulf Laessing, head of the Sahel programme at Germany’s Konrad Adenauer Foundation, said the bold nature of the assault and the possible use of drones suggest the attackers may have benefited from inside assistance.
Following the incident, Niger’s military authorities accused Benin, France and Ivory Coast of backing the attack, though no evidence was publicly presented. Both Benin and Ivory Coast rejected the allegations, while France has not issued an official response.
Niger, a former French colony, ended France’s military presence in 2023. Since then, Russia has expanded its security footprint in the country and across the Sahel, as part of broader efforts to strengthen military and political ties in Africa.
Russian forces or military instructors are also reported to be present in Burkina Faso, Libya, Equatorial Guinea and the Central African Republic. Moscow says its African Corps, which replaced the Wagner group, is focused on counterterrorism and regional stability.
Niger continues to face persistent threats from ISIL affiliates and Al-Qaeda-linked armed groups, which have destabilized parts of the Sahel for more than a decade.
