Heavy gunfire has been reported across Niamey, Niger, after members of the armed forces allegedly attempted to enter the presidential palace, with the presidential guard moving to repel the insurgents.

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Security sources told AFP that intense shooting was heard in several parts of the capital throughout Friday night, particularly around the presidential palace and the city centre. Gunfire was also reported near the airport, where a major military base is located.

A resident said bursts of gunfire were heard at about 7:00 a.m. local time, describing the fighting as continuous through the night.

“I went to get credit for my phone. I saw a military vehicle heading towards the base that had to turn back,” the resident said.

“The weapons we’re hearing are not the kind that terrorists on motorbikes can carry. The fighting has been non-stop since last night.”

Another resident in western Niamey reported hearing sporadic small-arms fire from around 5:00 a.m., while videos and reports circulating on social media claimed explosions and gunfire were occurring around the administrative district where the presidential palace and national television station are located.

The state television signal was reportedly cut for more than an hour before being restored at around 10:00 a.m. local time (0900 GMT).

The reported confrontation comes as Niger continues to be governed by a military junta, which seized power three years ago following a coup. The military government has faced persistent challenges in containing jihadist violence that has affected the country and wider Sahel region for more than a decade.

Details surrounding the identity of those involved in the reported mutiny attempt and the current situation at the presidential palace remain unclear.