Niger’s presidential guard on Saturday repelled an attempt by “insurgents from within the armed forces” to gain access to the presidential palace in Niamey, according to a security source who spoke to AFP.
Heavy gunfire was reported across several parts of the capital overnight, particularly around the city centre near the presidential palace.
Shooting was also heard around the airport, which is located close to a major military base.
Niger’s national television station was taken off air following the overnight violence. Its signal was reportedly restored at about 10:00 am local time (0900 GMT) after being unavailable for slightly more than an hour.
A resident said he heard “bursts of gunfire” at around 7:00 am and saw a military vehicle heading towards the military base before turning back.
“I went to get credit for my phone. I saw a military vehicle heading towards the base that had to turn back,” he said.
“The weapons we’re hearing are not the kind that terrorists on motorbikes can carry. The fighting has been non-stop since last night.”
Another resident in western Niamey reported hearing sporadic small-arms fire at about 5:00 am.
Several posts on social media also reported gunfire and explosions in the capital, particularly around the administrative district where the presidential palace and national television station are located.
Videos circulating online showed armoured vehicles being deployed to reinforce the area around the airport.
Niger has been under military rule for three years, with the junta continuing to face challenges in tackling jihadist violence that has affected the West African country for roughly a decade.
The latest incident comes amid heightened security concerns in the capital, although details surrounding the reported attempted assault on the presidential palace remain limited.