Gunmen on motorcycles kill at least 50 in northwest Nigeria: Report
Al Jazeera
February 21, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
At least 50 people were killed and several women and children abducted when armed men on motorcycles attacked Tungan Dutse village in Nigeria's Zamfara State overnight from Thursday to Friday. The attack, which began late Thursday night and continued into early Friday morning, saw the gunmen set buildings ablaze and carry out mass abductions. Local officials are still working to compile a complete list of those missing.
The assault occurred despite warnings from villagers who had spotted over 150 motorcycles carrying armed men earlier in the day and reported them to security forces. However, no action was taken in response to these alerts. Residents described the attack as devastating, with many losing family members and fleeing their homes in fear. One resident, Abdullahi Sani, shared that three members of his family were killed during the袭击.
This incident reflects the ongoing security challenges faced by Nigeria's northern and western regions, which are plagued by armed criminal gangs and rebel fighters. The region has seen similar atrocities recently, including a deadly raid in nearby Borgu area of northwest Niger State just days prior, where at least 46 people were killed. These repeated attacks highlight the alarming instability gripping the region.
The crisis has drawn international attention, particularly from the United States. Earlier this week, Nigeria confirmed the deployment of 100 U.S. troops to assist in training local forces and providing technical support, including intelligence sharing and equipment, to combat terrorist groups operating in the area. While these U.S. personnel are not directly involved in combat operations, their presence underscores the severity of the security situation.
The attack on Tungan Dutse village is part of a larger pattern of violence that has persisted in Nigeria's northwest region. This latest tragedy emphasizes the urgent need for effective security measures and international collaboration to address the root causes of the instability. The situation remains dire, with local communities continuing to suffer under the threat of armed groups and the failure of timely interventions.
This attack not only underscores the humanitarian crisis in Nigeria but also highlights the broader implications for global security and international cooperation. As the region grapples with overlapping threats, the need for sustained efforts to stabilize the area and protect its civilians becomes increasingly critical.
Verticals
worldpolitics
Originally published on Al Jazeera on 2/21/2026