According to the junta, the escape attempt failed following prompt reaction of the Defence and security forces which made it possible to thwart the deposed President’s plan “to destabilise our country.”
The military leaders in the Republic of Niger said that they foiled an attempt by the ousted President Mohamed Bazoum on Thursday to escape from detention where he is being held hostage with his family.
The junta in a communique said that around 3 a.m. on Thursday, the deposed President accompanied by his family, his two cooks and two security personnel tried to escape from his place of detention.
According to the junta, the escape attempt failed following prompt reaction of the Defence and security forces which made it possible to thwart the deposed President’s plan “to destabilise our country.”
The full communique read, “This day, October 19, 2023 around three o'clock around three o'clock in the morning, deposed President Mohamed Bazoum accompanied by his family, his two cooks and two security elements tried to escape from his place of detention.
“This failed attempt would result from a plan designed as follows:
“Phase 1: Escape from a first recovery point near the presidential palace where a trivialised vehicle was waiting for them.
“Phase 2: This vehicle should lead them to a hide-in in the Tchangarey district on the northern outskirts of the city of Niamey.
“Phase 3: From this hiding place, a trip would be planned to two helicopters belonging to a foreign power supposed to exfiltrate them in Birnin-Kebbi, Nigeria.
“The prompt reaction of the Defence and security forces made it possible to thwart this plan to destabilise 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.”
The junta further stated that “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 Nigerian people.”