Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Federal Government has expressed deep concern over the political and security situation in the Republic of Niger following an attempted coup in the country's capital, Niamey, on Saturday, August 29, 2026. The government said the development was particularly concerning given Nigeria's close historical, cultural and fraternal ties with Niger.
The spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Oluwafemi Adeniyi, disclosed this in a statement issued in Abuja on Sunday, August 30. "The Government of Nigeria views with deep concern the current political and security situation in the Republic of Niger," the statement said. The government noted that a peaceful, secure and stable situation in Niger would impact positively and directly on Nigeria, the sub-region and the Sahel.
Niger's ruling military junta said it was back in control after mutinous soldiers clashed with security forces in Niamey on Saturday. 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. The state broadcaster, Tele Sahel, was briefly taken off air.
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. 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 junta described the incident as a "destabilization plot" and said it had been contained. Nigerien forces repelled the attack "with the assistance of servicemen" from Russia's Africa Corps, according to Moscow's foreign ministry. By Sunday, calm had reportedly returned to Niamey, with businesses reopening and access to the presidential palace and airbase restored.
The Federal Government said it was keen to see peace, security, democracy and development prevail in Niger. The statement added: "Any resort to the use of force to settle political differences detracts from this objective". It therefore urged the government and people of Niger to work together towards an inclusive and participatory return to stability and constitutional order in the interest of the country, regional peace and stability.
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. This incident marks the third security disturbance at the airport and airbase this year, though previous events in January and June involved jihadist attacks rather than internal military dissent.
International reactions to the instability have been varied. Saudi Arabia expressed solidarity with the current government, condemning attempts to undermine the country's security. Nigeria's foreign ministry issued a statement expressing deep concern over the developments, urging the Nigerien government and its citizens to pursue a path toward constitutional order and stability. Algeria deployed two Russian-made patrol aircraft to the region as the situation unfolded.
📩 Stone Reporters News | 🌍 stonereportersnews.com
✉️ info@stonereportersnews.com | 📘 Facebook: Stone Reporters News | 🐦 X (Twitter): @StoneReportNew | 📸 Instagram: @stonereportersnews
Add comment
Comments