Inframe News – Niger faced a serious security crisis on Saturday after mutinous soldiers launched attacks on key locations in the capital, Niamey. Heavy gunfire and explosions were reported around the main airport, a military base and the presidential palace. The unrest has become the latest major challenge to the military government that seized power in 2023.
The fighting began during the early hours of Saturday at Air Base 101, which is located inside Diori Hamani International Airport. Mutinous soldiers reportedly attacked the base before moving against other sensitive locations around the capital. The airport area became one of the main flashpoints as loyalist forces attempted to regain control.
Gunfire was also heard around the presidential palace and the Plateau administrative district. State television and radio were temporarily taken off the air during the unrest, adding to uncertainty about what was happening inside the capital. The national broadcaster later resumed operations and aired a statement from the defence ministry.
Niger’s Defence Minister Salifou Mody described the incident as a mutiny involving soldiers who attempted to detain some of their fellow troops at Air Base 101. He said the soldiers then opened fire on several sensitive sites in Niamey. The government said security forces responded quickly and began gradually restoring control.
The government later said dozens of soldiers had been killed or arrested following the fighting. State broadcaster RTN showed footage of captured soldiers being paraded in public after security forces moved against the mutineers. The Associated Press said it could not independently verify the full government account or whether loyalist forces had completely secured every location.
The situation around the airport remained particularly uncertain during the day. Reuters reported that loyalist troops had secured the presidential palace, while security sources said mutinous soldiers were still present around the airport at different points. By Sunday, Niger’s civil aviation authority said normal operations at Diori Hamani International Airport had resumed.
The rebellion appears to have involved soldiers from outside Niamey as well. Security sources and analysts said some of the mutineers came from southwestern regions including Ouallam, Tera and Dosso. Those areas have experienced some of the country’s heaviest fighting with militant groups linked to Islamic State and al-Qaeda.
Frustration within Niger’s military has grown as attacks by jihadist groups continue despite promises by the ruling junta to improve national security. One week before the mutiny, around 18 Nigerien soldiers were reportedly killed in an attack in the Dosso region. Analysts said repeated losses among frontline troops have contributed to tensions inside the armed forces.
Russia’s Africa Corps also became involved in the response, according to diplomats and analysts cited by the Associated Press. Russian personnel are stationed at the airport alongside Nigerien and other foreign forces. Russian officials said their personnel provided aerial and ground support to local forces during the rebellion.
The whereabouts of Niger’s military leader, General Abdourahamane Tiani, were initially unclear during the unrest. Tiani came to power after overthrowing President Mohamed Bazoum in July 2023 and has since strengthened Niger’s military ties with Russia. His government has also withdrawn from the regional ECOWAS bloc alongside Mali and Burkina Faso to form the Alliance of Sahel States.
The attempted mutiny comes as Niger continues to face attacks from both Islamic State and al-Qaeda-linked groups. The country’s main airport has itself been targeted several times this year, including attacks claimed by militant organizations. The latest internal military crisis could force the government to divert additional forces toward securing Niamey and other strategic locations.
