Dozens of soldiers have been arrested following the suppression of an attempted mutiny in Niamey, the capital of Niger.
The Associated Press (AP) reported that Niger’s state-run television and radio broadcaster, RTN, aired footage showing dozens of detainees, most of whom appeared to be young soldiers.
The attempted uprising began in the early hours of Saturday, August 29, with clashes reported in several parts of Niamey. Security forces eventually regained control of the affected areas and arrested those suspected of taking part in the mutiny.
French news agency AFP reported that some of the alleged mutineers were killed during an operation by the presidential guard to retake control of Air Base 101, located within the Niamey airport complex.
However, Nigerien authorities have yet to announce official figures on the number of people arrested, killed or injured during the incident.
Niger’s Defence Minister, Salifou Modi, said a group of soldiers had attempted to detain fellow servicemen at Air Base 101 before opening fire at several strategic locations in the capital.
Russian Ambassador to Niger Viktor Voropaev also told Russia’s TASS news agency that Nigerien soldiers had requested assistance from Russia’s Africa Corps, which is stationed at Air Base 101.
Authorities later announced that government forces had restored control across Niamey, while the Niger Press Agency reported that normal activities had resumed in the capital.
The incident comes amid heightened security concerns in Niger, which has been under military rule since the 2023 coup that ousted President Mohamed Bazoum.
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