On January 6, 2026, a drone strike conducted by the Niger military resulted in the deaths of at least 17 civilians, including four children, at a busy market in western Niger. The attack, which also left 13 people wounded, took place in the village of Kokoloko. While three members of the Islamic State in the Sahel (EIS) were killed in the blast, human rights advocates state the operation violated international laws of war regarding indiscriminate attacks and may be classified as a war crime.
Located in the Tillabéri region, Kokoloko sits roughly 120 kilometers west of the capital, Niamey, near the border with Burkina Faso. Local residents report that EIS militants have maintained a presence in the area for several years, part of a broader trend of insurgent activity targeting both security forces and civilians in Niger since 2019.
“This military action in Niger, while targeting three insurgents, caused significant civilian casualties in a public marketplace,” noted Ilaria Allegrozzi, a senior researcher specializing in the Sahel. She urged Niger authorities to launch an independent investigation, hold those responsible accountable, and provide restitution to the grieving families.
Evidence gathered from 15 individuals, including survivors and NGO representatives, alongside satellite imagery and geolocated video footage, confirms the gravity of the incident. Despite the findings, the military junta that seized power in Niger in July 2023 has remained silent on the matter and has not responded to formal inquiries regarding the strike.
Eyewitness accounts of the market tragedy
Survivors recalled seeing a white drone circling Kokoloko twice before it released a munition at approximately 1:30 PM. At the time, the market was crowded with families and vendors selling food. One merchant described hearing a high-pitched whistle followed by a massive explosion that tore through the stalls where women were serving meals to their children.
Witnesses noted that while six EIS members were in the village that morning, they were dressed in civilian clothing and turbans. Three of them were shopping at the market when the bomb fell. Locals explained that militants frequently visit regional markets to purchase supplies before departing.
The aftermath was devastating, with many victims suffering from severe burns. A local religious leader reported counting 17 bodies, many of which were charred beyond recognition. In the wake of the tragedy, residents buried the victims in mass graves, separating women and children from the men.
Evidence of fire and destruction
Data from NASA’s FIRMS fire detection system confirmed active blazes in Kokoloko at the exact time of the strike. High-resolution satellite images from late January show extensive burn scars along the main road of the village. Witnesses stated that the explosion ignited fuel stored at the market, causing the fire to spread rapidly through wooden structures.
While the specific munition remains unidentified, the Niger military has recently expanded its arsenal with Turkish-made drones, including the Bayraktar TB-2, Karayel-SU, and Aksungur UCAV. These advanced systems are capable of live video surveillance and launching precision-guided weapons.
Mass displacement and regional context
Following the attack, nearly the entire population of 1,200 people abandoned Kokoloko. Many crossed the border into Mali or sought safety in nearby towns. One woman, who lost two family members, described fleeing with nothing but her children to escape further violence.
Under the laws of war, combatants must always distinguish between military targets and civilians. Even with the presence of a few EIS fighters, launching an explosive strike on a crowded market is considered an illegal, indiscriminate attack. If such actions are taken recklessly or intentionally, they constitute war crimes.
The Tillabéri region has become a flashpoint for violence, recording the highest number of civilian casualties in the central Sahel during 2025. Attacks have been attributed to the EIS, the Niger military, and JNIM, a group linked to Al-Qaeda. This incident follows similar deadly strikes by the Niger air force in Injar and Tiawa over the past two years.
International partners supporting the Niger military are being urged to demand stricter measures to protect local populations and ensure that those impacted by these tragedies receive the necessary medical care and financial support.
