The African Union (AU) has issued a strong condemnation regarding the recent violent attacks in Zamfara State, Nigeria, where more than 50 civilians were killed and numerous women and children were abducted. In a statement released on February 21, 2026, the Chairperson of the AU Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, described the incidents as heinous and part of a coordinated terrorist campaign against the civilian population. Such attacks highlight the ongoing struggle against terrorism in Nigeria and raise serious concerns about the safety of vulnerable populations, particularly women and children, in conflict-prone regions.

The AU emphasized its rejection of all forms of terrorism and violent extremism, particularly targeting civilians, labeling these acts as grave violations of human rights. The statement draws attention to the implications these events have not only for the immediate victims but also for national and regional stability. By articulating a clear stance against such violence, the AU aims to reinforce the importance of global solidarity in combatting terrorism and enhancing protective measures for affected communities.

In light of this tragedy, the AU has expressed its solidarity with the Nigerian government and its people, offering condolences to the families of the victims and advocating for the safe return of those abducted. This incident underscores the critical need for comprehensive strategies addressing the root causes of violence and the imperative to strengthen security measures in vulnerable areas, as well as the importance of international attention to the plight of those affected by such crises.