Nairobi/Conakry  - Guinean troops angry over years of unpaid wages have captured the deputy head of the army, reports said Tuesday.

The BBC said that soldiers seized General Manadou Sampil on Monday when he went to negotiate with them at a base in the capital city Conakry.

Shots were heard in the base and at two other barracks, the BBC said.

The soldiers, who say they are owed money dating back 12 years, also took to the streets in protest.

President Lasana Conte summoned his new Prime Minister Tidiane Souare and other government officials for crisis talks before offering to release soldiers arrested after protests last year and calling for dialogue, the BBC said.

The soldiers are also reportedly also unhappy over the sacking last week of Souare's predecessor, Lansana Kouyate - who was appointed in 2007 in a move designed to end widespread rioting. (dpa)