Heavy gunfire and explosions were reported across parts of Niger’s capital, Niamey, overnight as security forces reportedly confronted armed men near the presidential palace and a military airbase.
The cause of the clashes remained unclear as authorities urged residents to stay calm and avoid spreading unverified information.
Bana Wagana Ibrahim, a member of Niger’s Consultative Council, said defence and security forces had mobilised to protect the country.
Reports of Attack on Presidential Palace
A security source told AFP that members of Niger’s presidential guard fought off what the source described as insurgents from within the armed forces.
The group reportedly attempted to move toward the presidential palace in Niamey on Saturday.
Authorities have not provided a full account of the incident or confirmed the identities of those involved.
Ibrahim earlier described another reported attack on Base 101 military airbase as a “cowardly attack.”
However, he said the situation at the base was under control.
Heavy Gunfire Heard in Niamey
Residents reported hearing intense gunfire and explosions around the military base.
One resident said the sounds began during the night and continued into Saturday morning.
Another witness reported hearing repeated bursts of gunfire around 7am local time.
The resident also said a military vehicle approached the base but later turned back.
According to the witness, the fighting continued for several hours.
State Television Goes Off Air
Niger’s state television channel was also reportedly off air on Saturday.
Locals told AFP that a black screen appeared instead of the channel’s regular programming.
The development added to uncertainty surrounding the security situation in the capital.
Officials have urged the public not to rely on unverified reports while security forces remain deployed.
Niger Faces Persistent Jihadist Threat
The latest incident comes three years after a military junta seized power in Niger.
Since then, the authorities have struggled to contain persistent jihadist violence in the country.
Militant groups linked to Islamic State and al-Qaeda have carried out attacks across Niger, particularly in areas near its borders.
Niamey has also faced attacks despite being relatively more secure than several other parts of the country.
Previous Attacks Targeted Niamey Airport
Jihadist groups have already targeted Niamey’s airport twice this year.
The Islamic State in the Sahel group carried out an attack in January.
Later, in June, the Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims, known by its French acronym JNIM, launched another attack.
The incidents have highlighted the continuing security challenges facing Niger’s military authorities.
Situation Remains Unclear
For now, the exact circumstances behind the overnight gunfire remain uncertain.
Authorities have not publicly confirmed whether the reported clashes represented an attempted mutiny, an attack by militants or another security incident.
Meanwhile, security forces remain mobilised in Niamey.
Officials are calling for calm as residents await clearer information about what happened around the presidential palace and Base 101.
