The United States Department of State has ordered the departure of non-essential staff of its embassy in Niamey and their family members, citing heightened security risks in Niger 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 “for any reason” due to crime, unrest, terrorism, health risks and kidnapping. It said the U.S. government could no longer offer routine or emergency services to citizens outside Niamey because of safety concerns.

The advisory noted that a state of emergency and movement restrictions are in place in many parts of the country, while Nigerien authorities require military escorts for any foreigners travelling outside the capital. Areas under a state of emergency were described as off-limits and subject to change.

According to the guidance, U.S. government employees in Niger must travel only in armoured vehicles, observe a mandatory curfew and avoid restaurants and open-air markets. U.S. citizens in the country were advised to take similar precautions.

The decision comes after the Islamic State’s media arm, Amaq News Agency, claimed responsibility for an overnight attack on Diori Hamani International Airport in Niamey on Jan. 29–30.

Amaq said fighters of the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (ISGS) carried out a “surprise and coordinated” operation targeting Air Base 101 located within the airport complex. The group alleged the attack caused “significant damage” and “heavy losses,” though Nigerien authorities have not released official casualty figures.

Security sources said the assault, which lasted several hours, involved armed assailants on motorcycles who infiltrated the city at night. The attackers reportedly targeted military installations co-located with the civilian airport, including drone platforms and air defence systems.

The Nigerien Defence and Security Forces, with support from Russian African Corps personnel, repelled the assault. Officials said several attackers were neutralised and others apprehended, while airport operations later resumed.

Reacting to the incident, Niger’s military leader, Gen. Abdourahamane Tiani, accused France, Benin and Côte d’Ivoire of backing the attackers, while commending Russia for its role in the defence. The Islamic State’s claim of responsibility has since challenged the junta’s initial narrative of foreign-backed aggression.

The U.S. advisory also highlighted ongoing 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.

The State Department warned that medical services in Niger are limited and that even minor health issues could require costly medical evacuation.

The evacuation order draw attention to the growing international concern about Niger’s deteriorating security environment, especially after militant violence reached the heart of the capital. (Zagazola)

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