Niger Republic was thrown into tension on Saturday, August 29, 2026, following an apparent coup attempt by a group of soldiers who attacked strategic military and government locations in the capital, Niamey.
Heavy gunfire and explosions were reported around the Diori Hamani International Airport, the adjoining Base 101 military facility and areas close to the Presidential Palace.
Niger’s Defence Minister, General Salifou Mody, said the soldiers had broken away from military discipline, attempted to detain some of their colleagues at Base 101 and opened fire on sensitive locations in the capital.
He said the rapid intervention of loyal security forces had enabled the authorities to contain the mutiny and gradually regain control of the affected areas.
Security sources also reported that insurgents from within the armed forces attempted to enter the Presidential Palace but were repelled by the presidential guard loyal to military leader General Abdourahamane Tchiani.
The incident forced the temporary interruption of Niger’s state television broadcast, while security forces were deployed around strategic locations in the capital.
Authorities have called on residents to remain calm and continue with their normal activities, although reports indicated that some mutineers were still barricaded at the military base as efforts to fully restore order continued.
General Tchiani has ruled Niger since the July 2023 military coup that removed elected President Mohamed Bazoum. The latest incident represents a significant internal challenge to the military government, particularly amid continuing security problems and attacks by jihadist groups in the country.
As of Saturday, Nigerien authorities maintained that security forces were in control of the situation, while investigations continued into the identity, motives, and demands of the soldiers behind the attempted uprising.
