The ruling military junta in Niger has reported that it has gradually reestablished control following an attempted coup that shook the capital, Niamey, with heavy gunfire and explosions.
According to official sources, members of Niger’s presidential guard, supported by Russian forces, have recaptured a vital military base from mutinous soldiers. A diplomatic source confirmed that the presidential guard regained control of the air base during the clashes.
As the unrest unfolded, security personnel blocked access to the presidential palace and state television, which temporarily went off air for over an hour before resuming broadcasts. A security official indicated that insurgents attempted to breach the presidential palace but were repelled by the presidential guard.
In a statement broadcasted on state television, Niger’s Defence Minister, General Salifou Mody, acknowledged that some soldiers had taken hostages and had fired on sensitive locations in the capital. He commended the swift response of defense and security forces for containing the situation.
For the past three years, Niger has been governed by a military junta that has faced challenges from rising jihadist violence in the region. Although calm has reportedly returned, residents near the presidential palace described initial chaotic scenes accompanied by sounds of gunfire and explosions.
Witnesses reported that gunfire erupted around 1:00 AM local time and persisted into the morning. Videos circulated online showed armored vehicles deployed around the airport area as a precautionary measure.
The Niamey airport has previously been targeted by jihadist groups, underscoring ongoing security challenges in the Sahel region.
