Adedokun Waliyu 
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.
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 several areas of Niamey throughout the night, particularly around the presidential palace and the international airport, where there is also a key airbase.
