NIAMEY. Update: Nigerian officials in Niamey in Niger has denied reports of an attack on the Chancery Building in the troubled Niger region.
It says protesters tried to access the premises, but “Nigerien Military and Police Authorities promptly curtailed the situation.
“It has been brought to our notice that fake videos showing the torching of the Chancery Building in Niamey by protesters is circulating on various social media platforms. The Embassy wishes to inform the general public that even though protesters tried to gain access to the Embassy on 30th July 2023, the At the moment, the Embassy is well guarded by the Nigerien Military and other Security Authorities.,” said the embassy in a tweet.
The video sent to BRICS Global Television Network (BGTN) showed scenes of chaos unfolding, reportedly outside the Nigerian Embassy in Niger.
Sources said the protests were due to Nigeria’s opposition to the recent coup in the country, which ousted then-president Mohamed Bazoum.
Bazoum is under house arrest in his official residence and has been replaced by his former head of security, Abdourahmane Tchiani.
Despite repeated attempts, the Nigerian embassy in South Africa was unavailable to verify claims the Niger embassy was under attack or the veracity of the video.
BGTN apologises for the error and has removed the video.
Read more: Tensions rise as West African leaders rush to protect Niger after coup
