Military regained control after soldiers’ failed mutiny: Niger

Niger’s armed forces successfully contained a mutiny by soldiers and gradually regained control in the capital Niamey, according to the defence ministry's statement on state television on Saturday. The mutinous soldiers initially detained their comrades at the airport before targeting other strategic locations. Gunfire and explosions were reported in the early hours of Saturday, but the rapid response of the armed forces managed to quell the uprising, restoring control in the West African Sahel state.

A military officer revealed that the mutinous soldiers had seized the international airport and briefly occupied the state broadcaster's building. Another senior military official confirmed to DPA that national security forces defended the presidential palace. A DPA reporter reported that the shooting began around 1am (0000 GMT) and lasted for approximately six hours, during which power supplies were cut in several parts of Niamey.

This incident is the third attack on the airport in 2026, with similar events occurring in June and January. In these previous attacks, the airport was targeted alongside government buildings. Germany had previously stationed soldiers at the adjacent air force base until 2024, and the base currently houses Russian mercenaries and Turkish-acquired drones. In January, the Sahel branch of the Islamic State terrorist group claimed responsibility for the attack.

Niger, a landlocked country primarily situated in the desert, has a population of around 28 million and is one of the poorest nations in the world. In July 2023, the military staged a coup, with General Abdourahamane Tiani, who is closely allied with Russia, declared the new president without an election. His term is set to last until at least 2030.