Russia Claims Its Troops Aided Niger in Quelling Coup Attempt

Sun Sep 06 2026 02:05:03 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Russia says its forces helped defend Niamey’s airbase and presidential palace during a Saturday coup attempt.

On Saturday morning in Niamey, Nigeran police and military forces were under attack at the main airbase and the presidential palace. Russia’s Minister of Defence confirmed that the country’s African Corps fought alongside Nigerian troops, helping to contain the rebellion within hours. The Russian statement also stated that Moscow would continue to support Niger against extremist threats. This incident highlights the growing role of Russian military support in the Sahel region, where several governments have switched allegiance from Western partners to Russia. Local authorities report that the area is now safe and that normal activity has resumed, signalling a return to stability despite intra‑military tensions.

Russia Claims Its Troops Aided Niger in Quelling Coup Attempt

A close‑up of a Nigerien flag badge on military uniform

Military officer guarding street after coup attempt in Niamey (Reuters)

On Saturday morning explosions and gunfire erupted across the capital, Niamey, threatening the main airbase and the presidential palace.

Russia’s Ministry of Defence announced that its African Corps fought alongside Nigerien forces to repel the uprising, which was contained within hours.

The ministry said that Moscow will continue to support Niger in its fight against extremists, but that the situation is now under the control of the legitimate authorities headed by President Gen Abdourahmane Tiani.

The African Corps has become a key security partner for several Sahel governments that have turned away from Western partners toward Russia, as they struggle to contain long-running jihadist insurgencies.

The attempted coup also underscored that the Nigerian military must contend with both external insurgencies and internal discontent.

Air Base 101, attacked on Saturday, hosts Nigerien aircraft and drones as well as an Alliance of Sahel States counter‑terrorism unit, with Russian and Italian forces also stationed there.

Following the mutiny, security forces increased patrols around key sites in Niamey, including the main airport entrance and the presidential pavilion.