The rebels took soldiers hostage at a military base and tried to seize the presidential palace, but were driven back, although gunfire is still ongoing, according to security sources.
The military has now "gradually regained control" of the situation, according to a statement by Defense Minister General Salifou Mody read on state television.
Niger's leader Abdourahamane Tiani has been leading a military junta in the African country for three years. Islamist groups have long waged an armed resistance, and the fighting has intensified recently.
