Niamey: Niger authorities have regained control of the situation in the capital, Niamey, following a mutiny by a group of soldiers at a key military base, the country's Defence Minister Salifou Mody said on Saturday describing the incident as a breach of military discipline and regulations.

According to Qatar News Agency, Mody stated that the soldiers attempted to rebel against officers at the base and opened fire on "sensitive sites" before authorities succeeded in restoring control. "The swift response of the defence and security forces enabled intervention and the gradual restoration of control over these sites," he said.

Earlier today, Nigerien authorities reported that a group of soldiers had mutinied against officers inside a major military base, targeting what they described as "sensitive" locations in Niamey. Gunfire and explosions were heard across the city last night into Saturday morning, including near the main airport, which houses Military Base 101, and in the Plateau administrative district, where the presidential palace and several key government institutions are located.

The ruling military council, known as the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland (CNSP), emphasized the need for national unity. In a statement posted on Facebook, it said: "Our defence and security forces are mobilised to defend the homeland. Let us remain united and stand in solidarity."

Niger has been under military rule since July 2023, when a coup led by General Abdourahamane Tiani ousted democratically elected President Mohamed Bazoum.