The Chairperson of the African Union Commission Mahmoud Ali Youssouf has strongly condemned the deadly terrorist attacks that struck Zamfara State in northwestern Nigeria on February 21, 2026, leaving more than 50 civilians dead and several women and children abducted.

In a statement on Monday, February 23, 2026, Youssouf described the assault as heinous and coordinated, saying the African Union unequivocally rejects all acts of terrorism and violent extremism targeting civilian populations.

He emphasized that attacks against women and children constitute grave violations of human rights and pose serious threats to peace, security and stability across the continent.

“The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, strongly condemns the heinous and coordinated terrorist attacks perpetrated on 21 February 2026 in Zamfara State, Northwestern Nigeria, which resulted in the killing of more than 50 civilians and the abduction of women and children. 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 in part.

The AU chief offered condolences to families who lost loved ones and wishing a swift recovery to those injured. He reaffirmed the continental body’s unwavering support for Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to address insecurity and restore lasting peace.

Youssouf also called for the immediate and unconditional release of all 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 added.

Terror attack

Media reports indicated that gunmen killed at least 50 people and abducted women and children in an overnight assault on a village in northwestern Nigeria’s Zamfara State.

Aljazeera reports that the attack started late on Thursday night, February 19, 2026, and continued into Friday morning, February 20, 2026, in Tungan Dutse village in the Bukkuyum area of Zamfara when armed men arrived on motorcycles and began setting fire to buildings and abducting residents.

“They have been moving from one village to another … leaving at least 50 people dead,” Hamisu A Faru, a lawmaker representing Bukkuyum South, said.

Residents told the media that warning signs were visible before the attack.