Niger Republic says attack on airport attempted coup by mutinous soldiers

The National Council for the Safeguarding of the Homeland (CNSP), the ruling military Junta in Niger Republic, says soldiers within its military forces attempted a coup on Saturday.

Heavy gunfire and explosions were reported early Saturday morning in several parts of Niamey, Niger’s capital city.

The assailants targeted the city’s Diori Hamani International Airport, which houses an air force base, and is located about 10km from the presidential palace.

They reportedly attempted to breach the security perimeter around the presidency.

The airport is also home to the headquarters of Russia’s Africa Corps in Niamey and the command centre of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) joint force, comprising Niger, Burkina Faso and Mali.

The CNSP said some soldiers, “in breach of discipline and military regulations” attempted to hold fellow officers hostage at Base 101 in Niamey, with gunshots also reported at several sensitive sites in the Nigerien capital.

Salifou Moudi, minister of national defence,  said security forces quickly intervened and have gradually regained control of the affected areas.

The authorities called on the public to remain calm and freely go about their business.

“Our Defence and Security Forces are mobilized for the Defense of the Fatherland. Let us remain united, vigilant and supportive,” CNSP said in a Facebook post.

There have been two previous attacks on the airport in January and June.

Niger has been under military rule since July 2023, when Abdourahamane Tchiani led the coup that ousted former President Mohamed Bazoum.(TheCable)