An attempt was made today to overthrow the military of the Republic of Niger, headed by General Omar Abdourahamane Tiani, as Niamey, the country’s capital, was heavily attacked.
Information gathered revealed that gunfire and explosions were heard across Niamey overnight, aimed at putting an end to the government of Tchiani, who seized power in a 2023 coup.
Shedding light on the attack, the Niger’s Ministry of National Defense said that a group of soldiers shot at “sensitive” locations in the capital Niamey in an apparent mutiny, adding that the attackers had targeted Diori Hamani International Airport, which houses a military air base, and attempted to breach the security perimeter around the presidency.
A lawmaker, Bana Wagana Ibrahim, revealed, “Another cowardly attack on Base 101, and once again our defense and security forces ensured … Situation under control.”
The military said it was “gradually regaining control” after mutineers took soldiers hostage at a base near the airport in Niamey.
In a statement signed by the nation’s Defence Minister, General Salifou Mody, the authorities urged the public to “remain calm and freely go about their business.
Reacting, former Nigerian Senator, Shehu Sani said, “Today’s attacks on Niamey, the capital of Niger Republic once again reflects the vulnerability and fragility of the ruling military regime and the dangerous security trend in the subregion. No Government installed by military coup stays longer without a counter coup. We have been through that phase in our history. The Sahel states should reunite with Ecowas in the interests of regional peace and security.”
