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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, unrest, terrorism, health risks, and kidnapping.
The advisory noted that the U.S. government can no longer provide routine or emergency services to citizens outside Niamey because of safety concerns.
The guidance stated that a state of emergency and movement restrictions are in effect in many parts of Niger, with foreign travellers outside the capital requiring military escorts. Areas under emergency measures are considered off-limits and subject to change.
U.S. government employees in Niger are required to travel only in armoured vehicles, observe a curfew, and avoid restaurants and open-air markets. Citizens were advised to take similar precautions.
The evacuation order follows an overnight attack on Diori Hamani International Airport in Niamey on January 29–30, claimed by the Islamic State’s media arm, Amaq News Agency.
The group said fighters of the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara, ISGS, carried out a “surprise and coordinated” operation targeting Air Base 101 within the airport complex, causing “significant damage,” although Nigerien authorities have not released official casualty figures.
Security sources said the attack involved armed assailants on motorcycles who targeted military installations co-located with the civilian airport, including drone platforms and air defence systems. Nigerien Defence and Security Forces, supported by Russian African Corps personnel, repelled the assault, neutralising and apprehending several attackers. Airport operations later resumed.
In response, 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 city. The ISGS claim has 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. Medical services are limited, and even minor health issues could require costly medical evacuation.
The evacuation order highlights growing international concern over Niger’s deteriorating security situation, particularly after militants carried out attacks in the heart of the capital.
US orders departure of non-essential embassy staff from Niger over security risks
