The military government in Niger has reported the thwarting of an escape attempt by the deposed former President, Mohamed Bazoum.
According to military spokesman Amadou Abdramane, Bazoum tried to flee during the night with his family, cooks, and security personnel at around 03:00 (02:00 GMT) on Thursday.
The plan involved the group attempting to use helicopters to escape but was ultimately unsuccessful.
Mohamed Bazoum has been under house arrest since members of his presidential guard carried out a coup in late July.
“The attempted escape was disrupted, leading to the arrest of the primary individuals involved and some accomplices,” he said
He added that the elaborate plan included Bazoum reaching a hideout on the outskirts of the capital, Niamey, with intentions to fly out on helicopters “belonging to a foreign power” towards Nigeria.
The military spokesperson criticized Bazoum’s actions as “irresponsible.”
Amadou Abdramane did not disclose the current whereabouts of those arrested, but an investigation into the matter has been initiated.
The military coup in Niger took place on July 26, with army officers citing the deteriorating security situation due to jihadist attacks as their justification.
This coup paralleled similar military takeovers in neighboring Burkina Faso and Mali, driven by an Islamist insurgency and the increasing influence of the Russian mercenary group Wagner in the broader Sahel region.
Mohamed Bazoum has refused to formally resign and, despite his captivity, managed to publish an article in The Washington Post, labeling himself as a hostage and warning of the dire consequences of the coup for the nation, region, and the world.
France, along with several other countries and organizations, has supported Bazoum since the coup and has called for his release. However, the military regime remains unyielding at this time.