Niamey, 7 August 2023 (dpa/MIA) — Youths in Niger's capital Niamey have formed vigilante groups ahead of possible military intervention by the country's neighbours to unseat the new junta.

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) had set a Sunday deadline for restoring constitutional order and the release of Niger's democratically elected President Mohamed Bazoum, who was ousted in a military coup on July 26.

Vigilantes set up traffic checkpoints at several roundabouts overnight and were seen inspecting vehicles, according to a dpa reporter in the city.

The youths are said to belong to support committees that previously organized demonstrations backing Niger's new military rulers led by Bazoum's former head bodyguard, General Abdourahmane Tchiani.

Niger's military rulers closed the country's airspace late on Sunday and warned any attempt to violate it would be met with an "energetic and immediate response."

The country's airspace would be closed to all aircraft until further notice, a statement from the military rulers added.

ECOWAS, which groups 15 West African countries, issued its ultimatum to the junta last Sunday. The organization's military chiefs have since drawn up a plan for possible military intervention.