2026 in Niger

This article lists events from the year 2026 in Niger.

Decades:

Incumbents

4 January – Jihadist attack the residence of the prefect of Torodi, who also was a captain in the Nigerien Army, killing him and his entire family. The jihadists also seize government vehicles and free several prisoners during the attack.^[1]
12 January – The government withdraws the operating licences of 33 transport operators and truck drivers for refusing to transport fuel to Mali amid the jihadist insurgency.^[2]
18 January – At least 31 people are killed in an attack by gunmen on the village of Gorouol in Tillabéri Region.^[3]
29 January – Diori Hamani International Airport attack: Islamic State – Sahel Province militants launch an attack on Diori Hamani International Airport in Niamey, leaving 20 attackers dead and four soldiers injured.^[4]

4 February – JNIM militants seize an army position in Makalondi, killing at least 36 soldiers and injuring several others. JNIM also captures 12 military vehicles with mounted machine guns.^[5]^[6]
26 February – JNIM militants kill 26 members of the Anzourou militia in the Tillaberi Region.^[7]

5 March – The junta cancels gold mining concessions granted to Comini, Afrior, and Ecomine, citing breaches of contract. It also rejects a request by British energy firm Savannah Energy to extend its exploration and drilling licence in the country’s south-east, citing breaches of contract.^[8]
8 March – The army repels an attack by motorcycled gunmen at the military drone base inside Tahoua Airport, leaving several assailants dead and several soldiers injured.^[9]

21 April – Russia announces the release of two employees of a Russian geology company held captive in Niger since 2024 by JNIM militants following a rescue operation carried out by the Africa Corps.^[10]

8 May – The government orders the suspension of broadcasts in Niger of nine French media outlets on charges of "threatening public order and national security".^[11]
14 May – JNIM militants ambush a military engineer camp in Garbougna, Tillaberi Region, killing 67, including several civilians, and destroying the camp.^[12]

4 June – Authorities announce the discovery of a stranded truck carrying pilgrims from a religious festival in Mali that broke down in the Sahara Desert near Assamaka, Agadez Region, leaving 49 passengers dead from thirst and two survivors.^[13]
11 June – The junta introduces a new penal code that also outlaws homosexuality with sentences of up to 10 years.^[14]
18 June – JNIM militants stage an attack on Diori Hamani International Airport, leaving 11 soldiers, two civilians and 22 attackers dead, with 20 more suspects arrested.^[15]^[16]
22 June – Niger files notice of its departure from the International Criminal Court, accusing the chamber of selective justice.^[17]

Source:^[18]