Niger: 35 people reportedly killed in three incidents across Dosso and Tillabéri
By: Zagazola Makama
At least 35 people, including civilians and members of Niger’s security forces, were reportedly killed in three separate incidents between Sept. 17 and Sept. 23, 2026, in Dosso and Tillabéri regions.
The reported figures, drawn from field reports attributed to Abdou Pagoui and Hamid Amadou N’gadé, have not been independently verified and should be treated as provisional.
According to the reports, the first incident occurred on Sept. 17 in Karakara Commune, Dioundiou Department of Dosso Region, where 12 civilians were reportedly killed after Nigerien forces allegedly accused them of collaborating with armed groups.
A local resident, whose identity was withheld, reportedly told the source that the security forces arrived following an attack by armed groups and accused villagers of providing assistance to the attackers.
The circumstances surrounding the reported deaths, including the identities of those killed and whether any investigation has been initiated, remain unclear.
A separate attack was reported late on Sept. 22 in Yeldou, Kra-Kra Commune, also in Dosso Region. According to the reports, armed men attacked the community at about 11:30 p.m., killing eight people and injuring several others.
On Sept. 23, a GARSI patrol belonging to Niger’s Gendarmerie Special Forces was reportedly attacked in Abala Department of Tillabéri Region.
The provisional casualty figure from that incident was put at 15 gendarmes killed, including Capt. Hassoumi and Adjudant Djingarey. The attack was attributed to the Islamic State in the Sahel (EIS).
The three incidents would bring the reported death toll to 35 over the six-day period.
However, the circumstances and casualty figures in the three incidents require further independent verification. In particular, allegations concerning the killing of civilians by security forces are contested and should not be presented as established facts without corroborating evidence.
The incidents nevertheless highlight the continuing security pressures confronting Niger across Dosso and Tillabéri, where communities and security personnel remain exposed to attacks by armed groups.
The reported deaths of the two GARSI personnel also underscore the risks faced by Nigerien security forces operating against armed groups in the country’s western regions.
