African Union Condemns Mass Killing of Civilians in Zamfara, Nigeria

ADDIS ABABA, ETHIOPIA (NPA): The African Union Commission has strongly condemned the killing of more than 50 civilians in Zamfara State, Northwestern Nigeria, on 21 February 2026.

In a statement issued on 22 February, the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, denounced what he described as “heinous and coordinated terrorist attacks” and the “abduction of women and children.” He stressed that the AU “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 Chairperson expressed the Union’s solidarity with the Government and people of Nigeria, extending condolences to the bereaved families and wishing a swift recovery to the injured. He reaffirmed the AU’s unwavering support for Nigeria’s efforts to combat insecurity and restore lasting peace.

Calling for “the immediate, safe, and unconditional release of all abducted women and children,” Youssouf urged strengthened, coordinated, and collective action to protect civilians and prevent the recurrence of such atrocities, in line with the AU’s commitment to peace and stability across the continent.

Reports indicate that the attack was carried out by armed groups on motorcycles, who overran villages and killed residents indiscriminately. Nigerian security forces have pledged to bring the perpetrators to justice and intensify operations against banditry and terrorism in Africa’s most populous country.