Lead

For the second time this year, Niamey's international airport came under attack on 18 June, with 13 people killed in an assault that analysts say illustrates how jihadist groups are adapting their tactics to test Niger's security forces. According to Nigerien researcher Brimaka Abdoul Azizou Garba, the attack shows that terrorism is "not abating" but rather evolving in response to increased security measures.

Coverage Comparison

Both AllAfrica and RFI — English reported the same core facts: the attack on Niamey International Airport claimed the lives of 11 soldiers and two civilians, and the perpetrators attempted to gain access by deceiving security personnel, posing as passengers and reportedly using vehicles including taxis and minibuses. The January attack, which involved militants arriving on motorbikes, was claimed by the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (ISGS), while the latest assault was claimed by JNIM, the al-Qaeda-affiliated Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims.

Both outlets also quoted Garba, who teaches at the Louvain-Europe Institute of Political Science in Belgium and served as a special adviser to ousted President Mohamed Bazoum, and highlighted his observation that the change in tactics made detection and prevention more difficult.

Key Claims

  • Niamey airport was attacked for the second time this year on 18 June, with 13 people killed.
  • The attackers tried to gain access by deception, posing as passengers and reportedly using vehicles including taxis and minibuses.
  • JNIM militants claimed responsibility for the attack.
  • The January attack was claimed by Islamic State in the Greater Sahara.
  • Niger's military rulers have accused France of being behind the latest attack.
  • A committee has been set up to examine the border issue between Niger and Benin.
  • The closure of the border between Niger and Benin has pushed up inflation and made consumers pay more for basic goods.
  • The port of Cotonou has lost around a third of its Niger-linked traffic due to the border closure.

Analysis of Changing Tactics

Garba argued that although security was strengthened around the airport after the January attack, that did not deter the attackers. He suggested they may have infiltrated the capital to observe security arrangements and exploit weaknesses. The recent demolition of neighbourhoods around the airport by Niger's military rulers may also have influenced the attackers' approach. Garba said those measures appeared to have reduced congestion by clearing nearby areas, but added that such moves were likely being watched from inside the capital. "That is why I am talking about infiltration," he said, noting that "that is typical of asymmetric conflicts which rely on the element of surprise."

Perspectives

Nigerien Researcher Garba

Brimaka Abdoul Azizou Garba views the attack as evidence that terrorism is adapting to security measures, with militants changing their modus operandi and potentially infiltrating the capital to plan their operations.

Niger's Military Rulers

Niger's military rulers have accused France of being behind the latest attack, according to reports, though no further details were provided in the available material.