How ousted Niger President tried to escape to Nigeria

Niger junta says it foiled on Thursday an attempt by ousted President Mohamed Bazoum to escape from his place of detention to Birni-Kebbi in Nigeria.

In a statement, the military regime said President Bazoum was in the company of his his family, his two cooks and two security elements.

According to the statement, the plan was for to first escape from his recovery point near the presidential palace, where it was said a trivialised vehicle was waiting for them.

"This vehicle should lead them to a hide-in in the Tchangarey district on the northern outskirts of the city of Niamey.

"From this hiding place, a trip would be planned to use two helicopters belonging to a foreign power supposed to exfiltrate them in Birni-Kebbi, Nigeria," the statement reads.

The junta disclosed that it took the prompt reaction of the defence and security forces to thwart the escape, which they described as a plan to destabilize our country.

"The National Council for the Safeguarding of the Fatherland and the government salute the professionalism and composure of our valiant Defence and security forces that have made it possible to preserve lives, despite the irresponsible attitude of the deposed president and his accomplices.

"For the time being, the main perpetrators and some of their accomplices have been arrested. The public prosecutor seized of the case has already opened an investigation.

"The NSC and the Government are keen to reassure national and international opinion of their firm determination to bring the transition to an end, in accordance with the aspirations of the dignified and sovereign Nigerien people," the statement added.