Members of the military government in West African state Niger said Saturday that they have Thwarted a military Coup attempt.
According to emerging details, dozens of soldiers have been detained in connection with the failed coup.
This is the first major challenge from within the armed forces to the junta that seized power three years ago.
Witnesses said that the soldiers began holding other troops at Base 101 in Niamey, the capital, shortly after midnight Saturday before opening fire on several sensitive sites.
Security sources said mutineers were still present at the airport and the overall situation remained unclear.
Videos online showed armoured vehicles deployed to reinforce the neighbourhood near the airport.
Niger’s national television station was also cut off following the overnight gunfire in Niamey, residents told local private media.
