Nigeria has warned against the use of force to resolve political differences in Niger Republic, following an alleged coup attempt by soldiers within the country’s military forces.

Gunfire and explosions were reportedly heard in several parts of Niamey, the Nigerien capital, early Saturday as attackers targeted Diori Hamani International Airport.
The airport, which houses an air force base and serves as a major military installation, is located about 10 kilometres from the presidential palace.

The attackers also reportedly attempted to breach the security perimeter around the presidency, amid heightened security concerns in the West African country.
The incident marks the third reported attack on Diori Hamani International Airport this year.

Reacting to the development, Nigeria’s Federal Government expressed concern over the political and security situation in Niger, stressing the need for peace, stability, democracy and development in the neighbouring country.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the spokesperson for Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Oluwafemi Adeniyi, said Nigeria was closely monitoring developments in Niger because of the two countries’ shared borders and longstanding historical, cultural and fraternal ties.

“The Government of Nigeria views with deep concern the current political and security situation in the Republic of Niger,” Adeniyi said.

“It notes that, as a neighbour with which it shares close historical, fraternal and cultural bonds, the Federal Government of Nigeria is keenly desirous to see that peace, security, democracy and development reign supreme in the country.

“In this regard, it notes that a peaceful, secure and stable situation in Niger will impact positively and directly on Nigeria, the sub-region and the Sahel.

“Any resort to the use of force to settle political differences detracts from this objective.”

Nigeria further urged the Nigerien authorities to pursue an “inclusive and participatory” approach towards restoring stability and constitutional order.

The Federal Government said such an approach was necessary to safeguard regional peace and security, particularly given Niger’s strategic position within the Sahel and its proximity to Nigeria.

The alleged coup attempt comes amid continued political instability in Niger following the military takeover that ousted President Mohamed Bazoum in July 2023.
The military authorities subsequently suspended the country’s constitutional order, further straining Niger’s relations with regional bodies and neighbouring countries.

Nigeria, which previously played a leading role in regional efforts to restore constitutional rule in Niger, has continued to call for peaceful solutions to political crises in the sub-region.

The Federal Government said stability in Niger would have a direct and positive impact not only on the country but also on Nigeria, the wider West African sub-region and the Sahel.

It therefore reiterated its preference for dialogue and peaceful political engagement, warning that the resort to force could further undermine efforts to restore stability and constitutional governance in Niger.