Niger’s government says it has foiled an attempted mutiny by soldiers after heavy gunfire and explosions were heard overnight in Niamey, the country’s capital.
The Ministry of National Defense said on Saturday, August 29, that a group of soldiers opened fire at “sensitive” locations in the capital in what authorities described as an attempted mutiny.
The gunfire reportedly began around 1 a.m. local time and continued into the early hours of Saturday, sparking panic and concern among residents.
In a statement broadcast on state television, Defence Minister General Salifou Modi said the soldiers entered the 101 Military Camp near Diori Hamani International Airport at about 12:20 a.m. and took some of their colleagues hostage.
According to Modi, government forces responded swiftly, overpowered the mutineers and restored calm in the capital.
“Following the determination of the country’s forces, everything has now returned to normal and the mutiny they wanted to start has been crushed,” the government said.
Authorities urged residents to remain calm and continue with their normal activities.
The incident reportedly affected Diori Hamani International Airport, which also houses a military base. The attackers were also said to have attempted to breach the security perimeter around the presidential palace.
Lawmaker Bana Wagana Ibrahim, a member of the Consultative Council, confirmed that security forces had brought the situation under control.
“Another cowardly attack on Base 101 and once again our defense and security forces ensured … Situation under control,” he said.
The defence minister did not disclose whether there were any casualties during the incident.
Reuters, however, cited security sources as saying an attack occurred at Niamey’s airport, alongside an alleged attempt to gain access to the presidential palace. AFP also reported that the military said it was “gradually regaining control” after mutineers took soldiers hostage at a base near the airport.
The gunfire reportedly disrupted national television broadcasts. Local residents said Tele Sahel went off air at around 9 a.m. local time, with its satellite and online broadcasts replaced by a black screen. Programming resumed about an hour later.
The reported mutiny represents another challenge for Niger’s military junta, led by Abdourahamane Tchiani, who seized power in a 2023 coup.
Niger, alongside neighbouring Mali and Burkina Faso, is currently governed by military authorities and continues to battle a persistent jihadist insurgency.
Niamey has also experienced attacks by jihadist groups twice this year. The Islamic State in the Sahel targeted the capital earlier in the year, while the Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM) carried out another attack in June.
Before the government’s statement was issued, there had been no clear information about the source of the gunfire or an official explanation for the overnight disturbances.
