The authorities of Central African state of Equatorial Guinea have thwarted a coup attempt with participation of foreign mercenaries, media reported Wednesday.

According to Jeune Afrique, the coup attempt was thwarted on the night of Dec. 27 to Dec. 28, when the security forces of neighbouring Cameroon arrested over 30 heavily-armed men on the border with Equatorial Guinea.

The mercenaries, who sought to attack President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, are mostly from Chad and Central African Republic, the publication said. Presumably, they intended to cross the border with Equatorial Guinea and support the coup.

Security Minister Nicolas Obama Nchama has confirmed that the mercenaries were recruited by Equatorial Guinean opposition forces with the support of certain governments, according to media reports. (Sputnik/NAN)