The United States Department of State has ordered the departure of non-essential staff and their family members from its embassy in Niamey, Niger, citing heightened security risks following a recent attack near the capital’s international airport.
In a travel advisory issued on Friday, the State Department warned U.S. citizens not to travel to Niger due to crime, civil unrest, terrorism, health risks, and kidnapping.
The advisory stated that the U.S. government can no longer provide routine or emergency services to American citizens outside Niamey because of worsening security conditions.
It also noted that a state of emergency and movement restrictions remain in force across several parts of the country, with foreign travellers outside the capital requiring military escorts. Areas under emergency measures were described as off-limits, with restrictions subject to change at short notice.
U.S. government personnel in Niger have been instructed to travel only in armoured vehicles, observe strict curfews, and avoid restaurants and open-air markets. American citizens were advised to take similar precautions.
The evacuation order follows an overnight attack on Diori Hamani International Airport in Niamey between January 29 and 30, which was claimed by the Islamic State’s media arm, Amaq News Agency.
According to the group, fighters of the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (ISGS) carried out what it described as a “surprise and coordinated” operation targeting Air Base 101 within the airport complex, allegedly causing significant damage. Nigerien authorities have yet to release official casualty figures.
Security sources said the attackers, who arrived on motorcycles, targeted military facilities located within the civilian airport, including drone platforms and air defence systems. Nigerien Defence and Security Forces, supported by Russian African Corps personnel, reportedly repelled the assault, neutralising and apprehending several attackers. Airport operations later resumed.
Following the incident, Niger’s military leader, Gen. Abdourahamane Tiani, accused France, Benin, and Côte d’Ivoire of backing the attackers, while praising Russia for its role in defending the capital. The ISGS claim has, however, challenged the junta’s initial narrative of foreign-backed aggression.
The U.S. advisory further warned of persistent risks of terrorism, kidnapping, and violent crime across Niger, including in Niamey, the Tillabéri tri-border region, the Diffa area around Lake Chad, northern Agadez, and the southern corridor along the Niger–Benin oil pipeline.
It also highlighted limited medical services in the country, noting that even minor health issues could require costly medical evacuation.
The evacuation order underscores growing international concern over Niger’s deteriorating security situation, particularly following militant attacks reaching the heart of the capital.
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