Niger's new military rulers posted tanks and trucks mounted with machine guns around the presidential palace, a day after toppling President Mamadou Tandja in a coup.
Military pick-up trucks mounted with automatic machine guns were also stationed in front of the prime minister's office and the foreign ministry, an AFP correspondent said.
There was no sign of fresh violence after yesterday's gunbattles around the palace, during which at least three soldiers were killed.
Other parts of the capital were calm with people going about their business as normal after a night-time curfew.
The junta has so far not said where the 71-year-old is being held but sources in his government have said he is being held in a barracks on the outskirts of Niamey.
The Supreme Council for the Restoration of Democracy (CSRD) junta, which took over from Mr Tandja, sought the backing of the country's 15m people in its bid to turn Niger into an example of a 'good democracy and governance'.
They gave no indication of how long they intend to hold power.
Within hours of storming the presidential palace during a cabinet meeting chaired by Mr Tandja, a group of military top brass announced it had suspended the constitution Mr Tandja foisted through a controversial referendum last August.
Mr Tandja had defied outcry both inside the country and abroad at his move to change the constitution to allow himself to extend his stay in power.
Junta head squadron leader Salou Djibo, whose heavily-armed unit played a key role in yesterday's coup, said in a statement read on state television that the government was dissolved.
A CSRD spokesman said they decided to 'take our responsibilities in ending the tense political situation'.
African Union chief Jean Ping has condemned the coup and said he was following developments 'with concern'.
