02.09.2026 14:11
After the military activity on the night of August 28-29 in Niger's capital, Niamey, notable claims emerged. Captain Roger Gabriel of the Nigerien army alleged that he was informed of a possible intervention by Chad and France, and that Benin and Côte d'Ivoire could also support the initiative.
As the echoes of the military movement in Niger continue, a striking claim has been put forward that there are external connections behind the events. At the center of the statement was Captain Roger Gabriel, serving in the 1st Parachute Battalion in Niamey.
INITIALLY THOUGHT TO BE A TERRORIST ATTACK
Gabriel, who made statements on Niger's state television RTN, stated that the events began at Air Base 101. According to Gabriel's account, some soldiers asked him for support, but he turned down these requests. Gabriel, who stated that in the first hours of the events, they thought what was happening was a terrorist attack, said that they later learned that a conflict had broken out between a group of soldiers at the air base and the Presidential Guard.
CLAIMED TO HAVE SPOKEN WITH BAZOUM'S FAMILY
The most striking part of Gabriel's statements concerned his phone calls. Gabriel, who claimed that during the events he had phone conversations with a Chadian officer and some members of former President Mohamed Bazoum's family, alleged that in these contacts, he was told that external support could be provided to the soldiers at Air Base 101. Gabriel also detailed the information conveyed to him.
NAMED FRANCE AND CHAD
Captain Gabriel claimed that during the conversations, a possible intervention by Chad and France was mentioned. Gabriel also alleged that he was told Benin and Ivory Coast could also support the said initiative. Furthermore, Gabriel, who claimed he was called from various phone numbers in France, Belgium, and Dubai, said he reported the messages he received and the conversations he had to his superiors.
CLAIMS NOT YET CONFIRMED
While it is noted that Gabriel's statements have not been verified by independent sources, no official statement has yet been made by the authorities of the countries named in the claims. Therefore, the statements regarding France, Chad, Benin, and Ivory Coast are, at this stage, based on Gabriel's allegations.
WHAT HAPPENED IN NIAMEY?
In the capital of Niger, Niamey, on the night connecting August 28 to August 29, there were tense hours at Air Base 101. A group of soldiers at the base attempted to detain some of their comrades and seize control of strategic points in the capital. Niger's Ministry of Defense announced that the military movement was brought under control following the intervention of security forces.