In October 2026, unusual damage to rice leaves was observed in the rice fields of Saga (Niamey) in Niger. The observed damage includes leaves folded lengthwise and stuck together with silk threads. Greenish, solitary larvae were found inside the folds. The attacked leaves show white streaks. Pupation occurs in the rolled foliage. Morphological examinations confirmed that the pest was Cnaphalocrocis medinalis Guenée, 1854, commonly called the rice leaf folder. This is the first report of this pest in rice crops in Niger; the severity of the observed damage could indicate an emerging threat to production in rice-growing areas.