Russian officials say troops from the Ministry of Defence’s African Corps assisted Nigerien forces in repelling an ISIL-claimed attack on Niamey’s Diori Hamani airport on January 28. Niger reported 20 attackers killed — including a French national — four soldiers wounded and at least 11 militants captured. Analysts note the attack’s sophistication and possible drone use suggest inside help, while Niger’s military accused several countries of involvement, accusations those states deny. Moscow condemned the assault and linked it to similar regional attacks as it expands its military role in the Sahel.
Moscow Says Russian Forces Helped Repel ISIL Attack On Niamey Airport
Nigerien soldiers in the capital Niamey, Niger, in October 2023 [Issfou Djibo/EPA]
Russian personnel from the Ministry of Defence’s African Corps assisted Nigerien forces in repelling an ISIL-claimed assault on Niamey’s Diori Hamani international airport on the night of January 28, Moscow’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.
According to the Russian statement, the attack was countered "through the joint efforts of the Russian Ministry of Defence’s African Corps and the Nigerien armed forces." Niger’s ruling military earlier credited "Russian partners" with helping to fend off the rare strike on the capital.
Local authorities reported that 20 attackers were killed — including one French national — four Nigerien soldiers were wounded and at least 11 militants were captured. State television in Niamey said the attackers set fire to one aircraft and departed on motorbikes. ISIL’s Amaq news agency published a video claiming responsibility and showing armed assailants firing near a hangar.
Claims, Denials and Analysis
Niger’s military initially accused Benin, France and the Ivory Coast of sponsoring the operation, but provided no public evidence; the Ivory Coast and Benin both denied the allegation and summoned Niger's envoy to protest. France has not commented publicly.
"Moscow strongly condemns this latest extremist attack," the Russian Foreign Ministry said, adding that a similar strike occurred in September 2024 at Mali’s international airport in Bamako and suggesting external instructor or technical support may have been involved.
Ulf Laessing, head of the Sahel programme at Germany’s Konrad Adenauer Foundation, told The Associated Press that the sophistication and boldness of the Niamey attack — including possible drone use — point to a likelihood of inside assistance. He said recent successful operations by militants in the region appear to have emboldened them to target more sensitive and strategic sites.
Wider Context
General Abdourahamane Tchiani, Niger’s military chief, visited the Russian base in Niamey to express personal gratitude for what he described as a high level of professionalism by Russian forces in defending the airport.
Russia has steadily increased its influence in the Sahel in recent years, particularly after its private military contractor Wagner scaled back. Moscow says its African Corps has assumed some of Wagner’s previous roles and is deployed, or has military instructors, in several countries across the region, including Burkina Faso, Equatorial Guinea, the Central African Republic and Libya. Moscow has framed the presence as assistance in fighting terrorists and strengthening regional stability; critics note the move comes as Russia seeks new partnerships while facing diplomatic isolation following its invasion of Ukraine.
Nigerien authorities have for a decade been fighting jihadist groups active in the Sahel, principally the Al-Qaeda-linked Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM) and the ISIL-affiliated Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (EIS/ISGS).
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