Omanghana
Calm has returned to Niger’s capital, Niamey, following a failed mutiny by a group of soldiers that triggered hours of gunfire and explosions near key government and military installations.
Normal activities resumed on Sunday, a day after forces loyal to Niger’s military government brought the uprising under control. Dozens of soldiers were reportedly detained, while several others were killed during an alleged attempt to advance towards the presidential palace.
The unrest began overnight into Saturday near Diori Hamani International Airport, which houses the strategic military installation known as Base 101. Gunfire and explosions were also reported around the Plateau administrative district, where the presidential palace and other state institutions are located.
Niger’s Defense Minister, Gen. Salifou Mody, said the incident involved soldiers who had broken military discipline and regulations. The group allegedly took several officers hostage at the airport and other locations before attempting to seize strategic sites in the capital.
Government forces eventually regained control after sustained clashes. State broadcaster RTN temporarily suspended its live transmission during the disturbance before returning to air.
Reports indicated that Russia’s paramilitary Africa Corps assisted loyalist forces in suppressing the uprising, although Nigerien authorities had not publicly provided a detailed account of the reported foreign involvement.
Images broadcast on state television reportedly showed dozens of detained soldiers following the operation.
The precise number of people killed or injured has not been independently established. However, several mutineers were reported dead after trying to advance towards the presidential palace.
The incident has drawn renewed attention to internal dissatisfaction within Niger’s armed forces. Reports suggest that some soldiers were frustrated by the government’s inability to contain persistent attacks by armed groups affiliated with Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State.
Niger’s military leadership came to power through a coup in 2023, promising to improve national security. Despite cutting defense ties with France and strengthening cooperation with Russia and other partners, the government has continued to face deadly militant attacks and growing economic pressure.
The latest violence marked the third major security incident reported in Niamey in 2026. Two previous attacks targeted the military base located within the capital’s international airport.
Following the suppression of the mutiny, authorities began easing security restrictions across Niamey. Traffic and commercial activity resumed, while airport operations continued under strengthened surveillance.
The ruling National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland urged the public to remain united and vigilant as security forces worked to restore order and investigate the uprising.
Source: Omanghana
