The Federal Government has expressed concern over the political and security situation in the Republic of Niger following an attempted coup in the country’s capital, Niamey.

Nigeria said the development was particularly troubling because of its long-standing historical, cultural and fraternal ties with the neighbouring country.

The spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Oluwafemi Adeniyi, conveyed the Federal Government’s position in a statement issued in Abuja on Sunday.

“The Government of Nigeria views with deep concern the current political and security situation in the Republic of Niger,” the statement said.

Niger’s ruling military junta had earlier announced that it had regained control following clashes between mutinous soldiers and security forces in Niamey on Saturday.

The clashes were reported around key locations, including the presidential palace and a military base at the international airport. The state-owned broadcaster, Tele Sahel, was also briefly taken off air during the incident.

The junta described the incident as a “destabilization plot” and said the situation had been brought under control.

The Nigerian government said it remained interested in seeing peace, security, democracy and development prevail in Niger, stressing that stability in the country would have a direct and positive impact on Nigeria, the wider West African sub-region and the Sahel.

“Any resort to the use of force to settle political differences detracts from this objective,” the statement added.

The Federal Government therefore urged the government and people of Niger to work collectively towards an inclusive and participatory return to stability and constitutional order in the interest of the country, regional peace and stability.