The Chairperson of the African Union Commission has condemned in the strongest terms the terrorist attacks that struck Zamfara State in northwestern Nigeria on 21 February 2026, leaving more than 50 civilians dead and several women and children abducted.
In a statement, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf described the assaults as heinous and coordinated acts of violence against innocent civilians. He reiterated the African Union’s firm rejection of terrorism and violent extremism in all forms, stressing that attacks targeting civilian populations — particularly women and children — amount to grave human rights violations and pose serious threats to peace, security, and stability on the continent.
The Chairperson expressed solidarity with the Government and people of the Nigeria, offering heartfelt condolences to the families of those killed and wishing a speedy recovery to the injured.
He reaffirmed the African Union’s continued support for Nigeria’s efforts to tackle insecurity and restore lasting peace. The Chairperson also called for the immediate, safe, and unconditional release of all abducted women and children and urged stronger coordination and collective action to safeguard civilians and prevent further attacks.
