Niger’s authorities have announced the recovery of a substantial military arsenal following the mutiny that broke out overnight on August 28 into August 29 in Niamey. According to information released by officials, defense and security forces seized 34 armed Toyota pick-up trucks, two light armored vehicles, one of which was destroyed, along with dozens of motorcycles. The arsenal also included 382 AK-47 assault rifles, 36 RPG-7 rocket launchers, 30 PKM machine guns, 12.7mm and 14.5mm caliber weapons, four Dragunov sniper rifles, an 82mm mortar, automatic pistols, and large quantities of ammunition and communications equipment.
This equipment was recovered following operations carried out by loyalist forces to regain control of Base 101, the site of clashes between elements of the Special Reconnaissance Battalion of the Special Operations Command and troops that remained loyal to the government. The fighting claimed the lives of three members of the Presidential Guard. Authorities are now presenting these events as an attempted destabilization aimed at undermining the institutions established since the country’s political overhaul.
A new element has since emerged in the case with the testimony of Captain Roger Gabriel, of Niamey’s 1st Parachute Battalion, broadcast on Tuesday by Niger’s national broadcaster RTN. The officer described contacts and alleged plans for external intervention, which he attributed to Chad, Benin, Ivory Coast, and France. These accusations have not received any official confirmation from the countries named, none of which have issued a public response at this stage. The implication of N’Djamena is considered particularly sensitive, given that Niamey and Chad had until now sought to preserve their relations despite regional tensions.
The Special Reconnaissance Battalion of the Special Operations Command was created after 2023 to combat terrorism within the Alliance of Sahel States. Its involvement in this attempted mutiny now raises questions about internal tensions within Niger’s security apparatus, which has been led since the July 2023 coup by General Abdourahamane Tiani.