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Salifou Modi

Salifou Modi

Vice President and Defense Minister of Niger

Appears in 1 story

Stories

Niger's pivot from the West

Force in Play

Leading military cooperation with Russia

Armed men on motorcycles attacked Niger's main airport and military air base outside Niamey on January 29, 2026, triggering a firefight that left 20 attackers dead and 4 security personnel wounded. Military ruler Abdourahamane Tiani immediately accused France, Benin, and Ivory Coast of sponsoring the assault—offering no evidence. The next day, the Islamic State – Sahel Province claimed responsibility through its Amaq News Agency, directly contradicting the junta's allegations. Benin's government rejected Tiani's claims. A uranium stockpile moved from a French-controlled mine sat nearby, reportedly unaffected.

Updated Feb 5