Nigeria ranks fourth in Global Terrorism Index as attacks and deaths surge in 2025

Nigeria has ranked fourth globally in the latest Global Terrorism Index, following a sharp rise in terrorist attacks and fatalities in 2025, despite an overall decline in global terrorism trends.

The 2026 report, released by the Institute for Economics & Peace, shows that Nigeria moved up two positions on the index, reflecting a worsening security situation driven by increased militant activity and internal instability.

According to the report, terrorist incidents in Nigeria rose by 43 per cent, increasing from 120 attacks in 2024 to 171 in 2025. Fatalities also climbed significantly, with deaths rising by 46 per cent to 750—the highest toll recorded in the country since 2020.

Globally, Nigeria now ranks behind Niger Republic, Pakistan, and Burkina Faso, countries that have also faced escalating security challenges in recent years. The data underscores a reversal of earlier gains made in reducing terrorism-related violence in parts of the country.

The report attributes the surge in attacks and casualties largely to the resurgence of extremist groups operating in the North-East, alongside broader security challenges affecting multiple regions.

ISWAP, Boko Haram drive resurgence in attacks

The findings highlight the growing influence of the Islamic State West Africa Province, which emerged as the deadliest terrorist group in Nigeria during the period under review.

ISWAP was responsible for more than half of all attacks and fatalities recorded in 2025. The group significantly escalated its operations, carrying out 92 attacks compared to just 20 incidents in 2024, resulting in 384 deaths.

Meanwhile, Boko Haram remained active and lethal, carrying out 43 attacks that led to 213 fatalities. This marks an increase from 26 attacks and 166 deaths recorded the previous year, indicating that both groups continue to pose a significant threat despite years of military operations against them.

The report also identified some of the deadliest incidents of the year, including coordinated attacks on rural communities in Borno State and a major assault in Darajamal, Bama Local Government Area, where dozens of civilians and security personnel were killed.

Rotimi Amaechi calls for Bola Tinubu’s resignation over insecurity concerns

These incidents reflect a pattern of attacks targeting both civilian populations and strategic locations, particularly in regions already affected by prolonged conflict.

Rising insecurity raises policy and governance concerns

The worsening security indicators are likely to intensify scrutiny of Nigeria’s counterterrorism strategies and broader governance framework. Analysts say the increase in attacks suggests that militant groups are adapting their tactics and exploiting gaps in security coordination.

While the Nigerian government has consistently highlighted ongoing military operations and investments in security infrastructure, the latest data points to persistent vulnerabilities, particularly in conflict-prone areas.

The report links the rise in terrorism to a combination of internal instability, economic pressures, and the evolving dynamics between armed groups, factors that continue to complicate efforts to achieve long-term stability.

Beyond the immediate security implications, Nigeria’s position on the index also has broader consequences for investor confidence, humanitarian conditions, and regional stability.

As Africa’s largest economy and most populous nation, developments in Nigeria’s security landscape often have ripple effects across West Africa, particularly in the Lake Chad region, where cross-border insurgency remains a challenge.

Although the presidency had not responded to the report at the time of publication, the findings are expected to feed into ongoing policy debates around security reforms, military strategy, and intelligence coordination.

With attacks and fatalities reaching their highest levels in years, the report underscores the urgency of more effective and sustained responses to terrorism, both in addressing immediate threats and tackling the underlying drivers of conflict.