On January 6, 2026, a military drone strike in the village of Kokoloko, located in the Tillabéri region of western Niger, resulted in the death of at least 17 civilians, including four children, and injured at least 13 others. The attack also reportedly killed three Islamist fighters, which has drawn criticism for its violation of laws of war prohibiting indiscriminate attacks.

Human Rights Watch has condemned the strike as an apparent war crime, given the civilian toll and the circumstances of the attack in a crowded marketplace. The area has a history of conflict, with Islamist armed groups such as the Islamic State in the Sahel (IS Sahel) being active in the region for several years, creating a complex security environment that has led to military responses including drone strikes.

The local population has expressed outrage and demands for accountability, urging investigations into the military's actions and for compensation for the victims' families. This incident underscores the challenges facing Niger's military as it conducts operations against terrorist groups while striving to protect civilians, highlighting the delicate balance between security operations and the safeguarding of human rights in a region plagued by violence.