Niger’s military authorities reported containing a coup attempt that unfolded on Saturday morning, with explosions and gunfire reported at multiple locations including a military airbase and the presidential palace in the capital city of Niamey.
Moscow stated through its foreign ministry that Russian servicemen deployed under the African Corps banner assisted Nigerien forces in repelling the attack. The Russian statement indicated it would maintain security support for Niger in combating what it characterized as extremist elements, while confirming that President Gen Abdourahmane Tiani and legitimate authorities retained control of the situation.
The Alliance of Sahel States, which includes Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso, characterized the incident as betrayal by military personnel attempting destabilization. Authorities did not disclose the number of soldiers involved or casualty figures. State broadcaster coverage showed the arrest of alleged mutineers by the Presidential Guard, and by the following day, commercial activity had resumed with businesses reopening and government supporters gathering in central Niamey.
Air Base 101, which sustained the initial attack, is located within the Diori Hamani airport complex and serves as a hub for Nigerien military operations, including counter-terrorism units of the Sahel alliance. The base also hosts Russian and Italian military personnel. The incident underscores internal tensions within Niger’s military structure, particularly given the base had been targeted twice this year by jihadist groups affiliated with Islamic State and al-Qaeda respectively.
Niger, along with Mali and Burkina Faso, operates under military governance and has realigned away from Western partnerships toward deepened cooperation with Russia. Despite these strategic shifts, militant insurgency continues to present significant challenges across all three nations.
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