Nigerien Army Regains Presidential Palace, Other Sites After Rebel Assault

Niger’s Defense Ministry declared on Saturday the progressive recovery of several locations targeted in an assault by mutinous soldiers, including Niamey International Airport and the presidential headquarters in the capital, Niamey.

The ministry stated that Nigerien armed forces are gradually reestablishing control over the sites struck in the attack. However, security sources reported that rebel troops remained present inside the airport, and the overall situation remained unclear.

State Television Resumes Broadcast Amid Security Response

Official state television resumed broadcasting after a multi-hour suspension. It reported that “mutinous soldiers opened fire from a base in Niamey on sensitive sites across the city” and added that security forces responded swiftly to contain the disturbance.

Two security sources and a diplomatic source confirmed that pro-government forces had fully secured the presidential palace. Yet the area surrounding the airport remained contested. These sources noted that government-aligned units had been deployed to regain control of the airport—through either negotiation or force.

Latest Challenge to General Tiani’s Rule

The assault marks the most recent threat to the authority of General Abdourahmane Tiani, who seized power in a 2023 coup. Tiani pledged to strengthen security in the Sahel nation, a leading global uranium producer. Despite that commitment, attacks have continued.

Earlier this year, both al-Qaeda and ISIS carried out separate attacks on Niamey’s civilian airport and its military airbase, prompting initial speculation that armed groups may have been involved in the latest assault on the capital.