In the wake of an ultimatum from the West African states to reinstate deposed President Mohamed Bazoum, Niger`s coup leaders have closed the country`s airspace, Al Jazeera reported on Monday

The move announced late on Sunday, came as tens of thousands of coup supporters gathered at a stadium in Niger`s capital, Niamey, to cheer on the generals who seized power or the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland (CNSP)

Amadou Abdramane, a spokesman for the CNSP, cited the threat of military intervention from the ECOWAS for the airspace closure

Abdramane said in a statement read out on national television, that there had been a pre-deployment of forces in two Central African countries in preparation for intervention, but did not give details

"In the face of the threat of intervention, which is becoming clearer through the preparation of neighbouring countries, Nigerâ¿¿s airspace is closed from this day on Sunday for all aircraft until further notice," Al Jazeera quoted Abdramane as saying