Russia says members of its African Corps helped Nigerien security forces thwart an attempted military takeover in the capital, Niamey, on Saturday.
Heavy shooting and blasts were reported in several parts of the city during the early hours, with the violence reaching the presidential complex and Air Base 101, a strategically important installation within the Diori Hamani airport compound.
Niger’s authorities later announced that the uprising had been brought under control.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Russia’s Foreign Ministry said Niger’s forces had stopped the mutiny with support from personnel belonging to the African Corps, a Russian Defence Ministry formation operating in Africa.
Moscow pledged to maintain its backing for Niger’s authorities in their campaign against armed extremist groups.
It said the country was once again under the authority of the government led by military ruler General Abdourahmane Tiani.
The attempted takeover comes as Russia deepens its security relationship with military-led governments across the Sahel.
Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso have formed the Alliance of Sahel States and increasingly turned towards Moscow after reducing military and diplomatic links with Western countries.
The three governments have sought Russian assistance as they confront persistent attacks by jihadist organisations.
However, extremist violence continues to pose a major security challenge throughout the region.
The Alliance of Sahel States described Saturday’s events as an act of treachery by soldiers seeking to undermine the authorities.
Neither Niger’s government nor the Russian authorities have disclosed the number of personnel involved in the rebellion or confirmed any deaths or injuries.
General Tiani, who became Niger’s leader after overthrowing the country’s elected president and was formally installed as head of state last year, has yet to make a public statement about the incident.
Niger’s state television broadcast images showing members of the Presidential Guard taking several suspected mutineers into custody.
By Sunday, normal life was gradually returning to Niamey.
The Niger Press Agency reported that businesses, fuel outlets and shops had begun reopening, while government supporters assembled at a central public square to demonstrate their backing for the authorities and the security services.
Air Base 101, which came under attack during the attempted coup, accommodates Niger’s military aircraft and unmanned aerial systems.
It also hosts a counter-terrorism unit belonging to the Alliance of Sahel States.
Reuters reported that Russian and Italian personnel are also stationed at the facility.
The latest incident exposes another challenge for Niger’s military administration, which is fighting insurgents while also confronting potential dissatisfaction among members of its own armed forces.
The airfield has previously come under attack from jihadist groups.
It was targeted earlier this year by militants affiliated with Islamic State and subsequently by fighters linked to al-Qaeda.
Following Saturday’s unrest, Nigerien security agencies have intensified surveillance and patrols around sensitive locations in the capital, including the principal airport access point and the presidential terminal.
By: Magdalene Agyeiwaa Sarpong