Niger’s military ruler vows retaliation after gunfire and explosions heard in capital

General Tchiani accuses France, Benin and the Ivory Coast of links to attack near Niamey's airport and thanks Russian troops for defence efforts

Heavy security has been deployed around the main airport in Niger's capital, Niamey, after overnight gunfire and explosions that the country's military ruler blamed without evidence on France, Benin and Cote d'Ivoire.

The shooting and detonations began shortly after midnight on Wednesday, according to residents of a neighbourhood near the airport, which is next to Base Aerienne 101, a military base previously used by US and then Russian troops.