Why Are Two Russian Il-76 Cargo Planes Circling Niger's $180M Uranium Shipment?

The fate of a massive uranium concentrate shipment remains uncertain at Niamey's Diori Hamani International Airport (NIM).

This cargo, estimated at over 1,000 tonnes, has been grounded for weeks. It highlights a major geopolitical and logistical challenge for Niger’s military government. The junta seeks to sell the uranium after nationalizing the French-owned Somair mine in 2025.

The Airport Logjam and Aviation Angle

Satellite images confirm that 34 trucks carrying the cargo arrived at the Niamey airport compound in early December 2025. By mid-January 2026, most of the yellowcake had been moved to secure locations inside the airport. Sources indicate the shipment is not expected to leave the country soon.

The possibility of an air transport solution has emerged. Satellite imagery showed two Russian-made Ilyushin Il-76 heavy cargo planes at Niamey between January 9 and 13. The presence of these aircraft suggests a potential airlift. However, flight-tracking data analyzed by news agencies showed no registered movements for the planes.

Russia's state atomic energy corporation, Rosatom, signed a memorandum on civilian nuclear cooperation with Niger in July 2025. Russia has publicly expressed its goal to mine uranium in Niger. The buyer of the current shipment, however, remains officially unknown.

Ground Transport Risks and Diplomatic Impasse

As a landlocked nation, Niger typically exports goods via neighboring ports. The most direct route to the sea is through Benin's Port of Seme-Kpodji. However, the Nigerien junta has kept the border with Benin closed since the 2023 coup. The junta accuses Benin of hosting French military forces to destabilize Niger.

The alternative route involves crossing western Niger and Burkina Faso to reach the port of Lomé in Togo. This path is considered extremely dangerous. The Tillaberi region, which borders Burkina Faso, was the deadliest region in the central Sahel in 2025. This area is highly volatile due to active jihadist groups.

Legal and Economic Complications

The export plan is further complicated by a legal challenge from French nuclear firm Orano. Orano claims the cargo still belongs to the company. France launched a probe into the suspected theft of the uranium in December 2025.

• The International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) issued a September 2025 ruling. This order prohibited Niger from selling or transferring the uranium.
• Orano has warned that any country allowing transit may be required to seize the cargo under international commitments.
• Niger rejects Orano's claim, stating the company owes $102 million in debts.

This legal threat is reportedly causing Togo to hesitate on allowing transit. The uranium spot price was around $83.40 per pound of U3O8 in mid-January 2026. This high value increases the stakes for all parties involved. The standoff underscores the growing commercial aviation geopolitics in the Sahel. It forces a choice between risky airlifts, perilous ground convoys, or a prolonged diplomatic stalemate.

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