Gunfire Erupts as Niger Soldiers Attempt to Enter Presidential Palace

Heavy gunfire was reported in Niamey, Niger’s capital, on Saturday after members of the armed forces allegedly attempted to gain access to the presidential palace.

A security source said the presidential guard moved to stop the suspected insurgents from entering the palace, where fighting was reportedly continuing.

Shooting was heard in several parts of the capital during the night, particularly around the city centre where the presidential palace is located.

The area around the airport also reportedly experienced gunfire. The airport zone hosts a major military installation, raising concerns about the scale of the confrontation.

Niger’s state television was taken off air for more than an hour before its signal returned at about 10:00 am local time, while national television remained unavailable following the night of violence.

Residents reported hearing sustained bursts of gunfire in different parts of Niamey.

One resident said he heard heavy shooting around 7:00 am and saw a military vehicle moving towards a military base before it was forced to turn back.

The resident said the weapons being used appeared more powerful than those normally carried by jihadists operating on motorcycles and claimed that the exchange of fire had continued for hours.

Another resident living in western Niamey reported hearing sporadic small-arms fire from around 5:00 am.

Reports circulating on social media also mentioned explosions and gunfire, particularly around the administrative district containing the presidential palace and national television station.

Videos shared online showed armoured vehicles being deployed around the airport area, apparently as part of efforts to reinforce security around the military installation.

The reported confrontation comes three years after Niger was taken over by a military junta following the overthrow of President Mohamed Bazoum.

The military authorities have since faced persistent attacks from jihadist groups operating in the wider Sahel region, with insecurity remaining a major challenge for the country.

Authorities had not provided a detailed public account of the reported incident or confirmed the identities and motives of those involved at the time of the report.