Clashes broke out in Niamey, Niger’s capital, on Saturday after members of the armed forces reportedly attempted to enter the presidential palace, triggering an exchange of gunfire with the presidential guard.
The Punch reported that the confrontation followed several hours of heavy shooting and explosions heard in different parts of the city during the early hours of the morning.
“There was an attempt by insurgents from the Nigerien armed forces to enter the presidential palace,” a security source told AFP.
“They were pushed back by the presidential guard. Exchanges of gunfire are continuing at the palace.”
An African diplomat in Niamey said the presidential guard remained loyal to Niger’s military ruler, General Abdourahamane Tiani, at the time of the clashes.
Authorities said the military was “gradually regaining control” after mutineers reportedly took soldiers hostage at a military base near the capital’s airport.
In a statement broadcast on public television and signed by Defence Minister General Salifou Mody, the authorities urged residents to “remain calm and freely go about their business”.
The military had earlier called for calm on social media, asking citizens to “avoid sharing unverified information”.
“Our defence and security forces have been mobilised for the defence of the homeland,” the statement said.
Residents reported hearing sustained gunfire around Air Force Base 101, located within the international airport complex.
One resident described the situation as “heavy gunfire and explosions”, while several other witnesses reported similar sounds.
Niger’s national broadcaster, Tele Sahel, also went off air for more than an hour before resuming transmission at about 10:00 am local time.
Residents said soldiers had blocked roads leading to the presidential palace and national television station.
The first gunshots were reportedly heard at around 1:00 am and continued until daybreak. Another resident said he heard “bursts of gunfire” around 7:00 am.
“I went to get credit for my phone. I saw a military vehicle heading towards the base that had to turn back,” he said.
“The weapons we’re hearing are not the kind that terrorists on motorbikes can carry. The fighting has been non-stop since last night.”
Another resident in western Niamey said he heard sporadic small-arms fire around 5:00 am.
Videos shared online showed armoured vehicles moving into areas close to the airport, while several social media users reported explosions and gunfire around the administrative district housing the presidential palace and national television station.
Niger has been under military rule since General Tiani emerged as the country’s leader following the July 2023 coup.
The junta has faced continued attacks from jihadist groups operating across the Sahel.
Niamey airport has itself been targeted twice this year.
The Islamic State in the Sahel attacked the facility in January, while the Al-Qaeda-linked Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims attacked it in June.
Authorities said 20 attackers were killed and four soldiers wounded during the January assault. In June, at least 11 soldiers and two civilians were killed, while 22 attackers were reportedly killed.
The attacks have highlighted the security challenges facing Niger and its military government, which has moved away from traditional Western partners, including France, and strengthened ties with Russia.
Niger is part of the Alliance of Sahel States alongside Burkina Faso and Mali.
The three military-led countries have also withdrawn from the Economic Community of West African States and formed closer security ties with one another.
Air Force Base 101, where the latest fighting was reported, hosts Russian Africa Corps personnel and the command of the Alliance of Sahel States’ unified force.
The facility is considered strategically sensitive. Between December and January, it also housed a large shipment of uranium concentrate awaiting export, although no movement of the shipment has since been reported.
