Niger's ruling military council announced that it had "gradually regained control" of the situation in the face of rebels who had "detained" soldiers at the military base located near Niamey airport, and "fired on some sensitive sites" in the capital.
In a statement signed by Defense Minister General Salifu Mody, authorities called on residents to “remain calm and continue their work freely.”
He added, “Thanks to the rapid response of the defense and security forces, these disturbances were contained and control was gradually restored to these sites." “rebels from the ranks of the armed forces” who tried to “enter the presidential palace” in the capital Niamey, where gunfire has continued since the night.
Heavy gunfire was heard in several neighborhoods of Niamey throughout the night, particularly in the city center around the presidential palace and in the airport area, which houses an important military base.
Niger's ruling military council, also known as the National Council for the Defense of the Homeland, announced that the army had been deployed following last night's events. it stated, "Our defense and security forces have been mobilized to defend the homeland. Let us remain united, vigilant, and supportive."
Earlier, witnesses reported hearing continuous gunfire and explosions in several areas of Niamey, the capital of Niger, early on Saturday, but the reason was not yet clear.
A security source confirmed that “terrorists” attacked Diuri Hamani International Airport in the city and tried to breach the security cordon surrounding the presidential headquarters.
Bana Wajana Ibrahim, a member of the Niger Consultative Council Bureau and a member of the Sahel Alliance Parliament, said that the attackers targeted Base 101, a major military facility in Niamey, but that security forces had regained control of it.
The statements made by the security source and Ibrahim have not yet been verified. A second security source said that security forces conducted searches and that the attackers were “neutralized,” while others fled.
The second witness reported heavy and continuous gunfire around the presidential palace. The first witness stated that gunfire resumed around Niamey International Airport at approximately 2:13 GMT. No comment has yet been received from the military government in Niger.
The military has ruled Niger since the July 2023 coup that ousted President Mohamed Bazoum. Since then, the military government, led by General Abdourahmane Tiéné, has distanced itself from its traditional Western allies and forged closer ties with Russia, similar to the military governments in neighboring Mali and Burkina Faso.
The three countries in the Sahel region of West Africa formed a security and political alliance after their military councils seized power in a wave of coups that swept the region.
The three countries continue to fight armed insurgencies linked to al-Qaeda and the Islamic State , despite pledges by their military rulers to improve security conditions.
These disturbances come at a time when Niger’s military council is tightening its grip on the uranium sector, after seizing the assets of the French company “Ourano”.
Last week, the government reallocated uranium mining licenses previously held by Orano and JoviX to state-backed companies, according to a decree.
Niger was a major supplier of nuclear fuel to Europe, accounting for about 15 percent of the uranium supply to Orano when fully operational, before the military junta seized the company’s assets around 2024.
Deadly attacks continued this year in Niger, including the killing of at least 44 civilians in the southwest of the country in March, and an attack near Niamey International Airport in January.
1. What is the latest situation in Niger?
Niger’s military council says it is gradually regaining control of the security situation amid fighting and attacks involving rebel or armed groups. The situation can change quickly, so reports should be checked against reliable sources.
Advice: Avoid sharing unverified claims on social media.
2. Why is security in Niger important?
Niger is an important country in the Sahel region, where armed-group violence and political instability have affected communities and neighboring countries.
Benefit of understanding: Knowing the wider situation helps readers better understand regional security, migration, trade, and humanitarian news.
3. How can conflict affect ordinary people?
Armed conflict can disrupt transport, education, healthcare, food supplies, employment, and local businesses. Civilians may also face displacement and increased security risks.
Advice: People in affected areas should follow official security instructions and avoid areas where fighting is reported.
4. What should people learn from Niger’s security situation?
The situation demonstrates how political instability and armed conflict can quickly affect everyday life. Reliable information, civilian protection, humanitarian assistance, and peaceful efforts to reduce violence are important.
Key benefit: Staying informed from credible sources helps people understand events responsibly and avoid misinformation.
