Niger foils coup attempt, claims President Issoufou

NIAMEY, Niger

The government of Niger has foiled a coup attempt, the country’s president has announced.

In an address on national television, Nigerien President Mahamadou Issoufou described the alleged coup attempt as "treason". He added that an investigation was underway and the situation in the country remained in his control.

"The government had an unfortunate attempt to thwart destabilization. The aim of these individuals ... was to overthrow the democratically-elected government," the president said.

He did not reveal the identity of the alleged coup plotters, but he did say that all but one of the culprits involved had been arrested. He also said the government was going to identify all the people involved in "this crazy adventure".

A security source told Anadolu Agency on condition of anonymity that several senior military officers involved faced arrest in the case.

The latest alleged coup attempt comes only two months before the presidential election in Niger. This is the second time since 2011 that Issoufou claimed having escaped a coup attempt.

Following a coup in the country in February 2010, General Salou Djibo led Niger, who promised to hold a democratic election. The military junta then appointed a transitional government, which later paved the way for incumbent Issoufou, who was elected as president in March 2011.