The African Union Commission has strongly condemned the coordinated terrorist attacks that occurred on February 21, 2026, in Zamfara State, Northwestern Nigeria, which left more than 50 civilians dead and saw the abduction of women and children.
The Chairperson of the Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, described the attacks as “heinous” and reaffirmed the AU’s firm stance against terrorism and violent extremism targeting civilian populations.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the Commission emphasized that such attacks are grave violations of human rights and represent serious threats to peace, security, and stability in the region.
“The African Union unequivocally rejects all acts of terrorism and violent extremism against civilian populations, particularly women and children, as grave violations of human rights and serious threats to peace, security, and stability,” the statement read.
The AU boss expressed the Union’s full solidarity with the government and people of Nigeria, offering heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and wishing a speedy recovery to those injured.
“The Chairperson expresses the African Union’s full solidarity with the Government and people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and conveys heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, while wishing a swift recovery to those injured,” the statement added.
The Union called for urgent action to secure the release of the abducted women and children.
“The Chairperson calls for the immediate, safe, and unconditional release of all abducted women and children, and urges strengthened, coordinated, and collective action to protect civilian populations and prevent the recurrence of such atrocities, in line with the African Union’s commitment to peace, security, and stability on the continent,” the statement said.
At least 50 people were killed, and several women and children were abducted in an overnight attack on Tungan Dutse village in the Bukkuyum area, Zamfara State, Nigeria, media reports indicate.
According to Al Jazeera, the assault, carried out by gunmen on motorcycles, began late on Thursday, February 19, 2026, and continued into Friday morning, with attackers reportedly setting fire to buildings and kidnapping residents.
“They have been moving from one village to another, leaving at least 50 people dead,” said Hamisu A Faru, a legislator representing Bukkuyum South. Residents told media outlets that warning signs had been visible prior to the attack.
