Minister of Defence: Shooting breaks out near gendarmerie base in Niger

NIAMEY, Niger – Niger’s minister of defence has confirmed that shooting has broken out near a college for the country’s paramilitary police in Niamey.

Karidjo Mahamadou said by telephone that the shooting erupted Tuesday night near the Ecole de Gendarmerie, or police college, located in a northern suburb of the city. He said the shooters had not been identified, and declined to give any further details.

Niger is still reeling from back-to-back terrorist attacks, including the largest in its history on May 23, when suicide bombers attacked a military base and a French-run uranium mine in towns that were over a 100 miles (160 kilometres) apart, killing three dozen people. Then on June 1, suspected jihadists attacked the prison in Niamey, in a jail break that freed 22 prisoners, including a member of al-Qaida’s North African branch.

News from © The Associated Press, . All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Join the Conversation!

Want to share your thoughts, add context, or connect with others in your community?

Create a free account

The Associated Press

The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news in all formats and the essential provider of the technology and services vital to the news business. More than half the world’s population sees AP journalism every day.

Related Articles