Mutiny at Air Base 101 in Niamey, Niger: The shocking testimony of an officer points the finger at Chad

People are starting to talk after the mutiny at Air Base 101 in Niamey. In a report broadcast by Nigerien national television, Captain Roger Gabriel, company commander of the 1st Parachute Battalion, stated that he had been contacted by a Chadian colonel while the mutineers were attempting to seize control of Base 101.

He called me back a second time to explain that an intervention would be underway from (Chad)

“Early in the morning (August 29), I received a call from a Chadian comrade, Colonel Hassane Adoum, who asked me if there was a terrorist attack taking place in Niamey? I told him that it was not, that it was a clash between one of our units and the presidential guard at base 101. He then called me back a second time to explain that an intervention was underway from their country, led by their authorities and French special forces, to support those who had taken base 101,” revealed Captain Roger Gabriel.

He said he then received a call from members of President (Mohamed) Bazoum's family, including Zazia and Salim, who wanted to inquire about the situation, informing him that "some partners were ready to intervene on behalf of (the mutineers)."

"They were talking in particular about the Beninese president who was travelling to Ivory Coast and who returned to Benin to set up a crisis cell and possibly be supported by Ivory Coast and the French special forces present in Ivory Coast. They also said they had all the green lights and agreements at the ECOWAS level to intervene," the officer said.

"I received a message from the Chief of Staff of the Chadian Air Force, who assured me that they were going to intervene."

Several numbers from France, Dubai, and Belgium also reportedly tried to contact him. He says he didn't answer, having realized the situation.

Subsequently, a certain Hamid Ngadé allegedly sent him messages via WhatsApp, asking about the situation and assuring him that "French partners were ready to intervene to support the unit which is engaged at base 101".

“There was also Colonel Seydina who wrote to me asking if there were still people holding out and in need of support. Finally, I received a message from the Chief of Staff of the Chadian Air Force, who assured me that they were going to intervene. These are all the calls I received, and the facts I have just mentioned have been reported by me to my superiors,” Captain Roger Gabriel stated.