How Russian forces helped Niger’s presidential guard crush military mutiny, retake Niamey air base

Members of Niger’s presidential guard, assisted by Russian forces, have recaptured a key military air base in the capital Niamey after mutinous soldiers launched armed clashes targeting the presidential palace and state broadcaster in the early hours of Saturday.

As reported by Vanguard, diplomatic and security sources confirmed the retaking of the air base, with one source stating: “The presidential guard has retaken control of the air base with the help of the Russians,” adding that several mutineers were killed.

Niger’s ruling junta — led by General Abdourahamane Tiani and in power for three years — declared it had largely regained control after hours of heavy exchanges around sensitive sites. Soldiers had blocked access to the presidential palace and national television station Tele Sahel, which went off air for over an hour from shortly after midnight.

Defence Minister General Salifou Mody confirmed troops had held soldiers hostage at a barracks, opening fire at “certain sensitive sites.” Regional sources said rebel troops still held two barracks by Saturday evening despite the junta’s reassertion of control.