Niger's military on Saturday said it was "gradually regaining control" after mutineers started holding soldiers hostage at a military base next to the capital's airport and fired shots.
'Army insurgents' tried to enter Niger's presidential palace
In a statement read out on public television and signed by Defence Minister General Salifou Mody, the authorities called on the public to "remain calm and freely go about their business".
Heavy gunfire was heard in seve"Insurgents from within the armed forces" tried to enter the presidential palace in Niger's capital Niamey on Saturday, security sources told AFP, but were repelled by the presidential guard. Shooting is reportedly ongoing at the palace.
Overnight, residents reported hearing heavy gunfire in several neighbourhoods of the capital, near the presidential palace and around the airport, which is home to a major military base.
State television was off air for over an hour before being restored at about 10am local time.
This is a breaking news story. We will continue to bring you updates as they become available.