Niger Junta Retakes Airbase After Failed Mutiny, Faces Growing Military Anger

Niger’s military junta has regained control of a key airbase in the capital Niamey after suppressing a mutiny by hundreds of soldiers, as persistent jihadist violence and mounting military casualties deepen pressure on the country’s rulers.

The revolt erupted at Base 101 inside the Diori Hamani International Airport complex, near the presidential palace. Soldiers reportedly took officers hostage and opened fire at “sensitive sites”. Gunfire and explosions continued for several hours before loyalist forces moved to retake the facility.

The Presidential Guard secured the presidential palace, while Nigerien forces gradually pushed back the mutineers. State broadcaster RTN showed footage of dozens of mostly young soldiers being paraded after the fighting. Dozens were reportedly killed or arrested, although the exact casualty figures could not be independently verified.

Russia’s Africa Corps provided aerial and ground support to Nigerien forces, according to Russian officials, diplomats and analysts. Senior Nigerien officers reportedly visited the Russian base at the airport and thanked its personnel for helping suppress the rebellion.

The strategic airbase houses Niger’s air force facilities and a counterterrorism component of the Alliance of Sahel States, which includes Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso. Russian and Italian forces are also present at the facility.

The mutiny came amid growing anger over the security situation. Some of the soldiers reportedly came from Ouallam, Tera and Dosso, areas badly affected by jihadist attacks. A recent assault in the Dosso region killed 18 Nigerien soldiers, adding to concerns among frontline troops.

The airport base itself has been attacked twice earlier this year by jihadist groups. Analysts say repeated attacks and heavy military losses are fuelling tensions within Niger’s armed forces.

Junta leader Abdourahamane Tiani seized power in a 2023 coup, accusing the elected government of failing to contain armed violence. Since then, Niger has cut ties with Western security partners and strengthened relations with Russia, but militant attacks linked to Islamic State and al Qaeda have continued.

The failed revolt is therefore a significant warning for the junta, highlighting growing discontent inside the military even as the government seeks to project control.