BREAKING: Panic As Heavy Gunshots Rock Presidential Palace, Airport

Niger’s capital, Niamey, was thrown into tension on Saturday after mutinous soldiers reportedly launched attacks on key security installations, including the presidential palace and the airport.

According to Ireporter Online, heavy gunfire and explosions were heard across several parts of the capital from the early hours of Saturday, with intense fighting reported around sensitive locations.

Security sources said the presidential guard moved to repel the mutineers as they attempted to enter the presidential palace. Loyalist forces were reported to have regained control of the palace, while the situation around the airport remained uncertain.

The unrest also briefly disrupted state television and radio broadcasts before services were restored. State media later reported that soldiers had opened fire on sensitive sites in the capital and that security forces had responded to contain the disturbance.

Residents in different parts of Niamey described hearing sustained bursts of gunfire and explosions during the night and early morning. Some reported seeing military vehicles moving through the city as security forces responded to the situation.

The incident is reportedly linked to mutinous soldiers from military bases in and around Niamey, with troops from areas including Ouallam, Tera and Dosso also said to have joined the mutiny.

The development represents a fresh challenge to Niger’s military government, which has been in power since the 2023 coup that brought General Abdourahamane Tiani to power.

Niger has continued to battle jihadist violence despite the junta’s pledge to improve security, while the military government has also deepened its relationship with Russia and distanced itself from Western partners and the regional ECOWAS bloc.

As of the latest reports, Niger’s authorities said they were gradually regaining control of locations targeted in the attack, although the security situation remained fluid.