Nigeria has risen to the fourth position on the Global Terrorism Index (GTI), following a sharp increase in terrorist activities and fatalities in 2025.
The latest report shows that Nigeria moved up two places on the index. It now ranks behind Pakistan, Burkina Faso, and Niger. Mali, Syria, and Somalia ranked below Nigeria among the top seven most terrorised countries.
According to the report, terrorist attacks increased by 43 percent. Incidents rose from 120 in 2024 to 171 in 2025. Deaths also surged by 46 percent to 750. This is the highest toll since 2020.
The GTI is a composite measure. It tracks incidents, fatalities, injuries, and hostages. It uses a five-year weighted average. The report links the rise in violence to internal instability and clashes between ISWAP and Boko Haram.
BORNO REMAINS EPICENTRE AS ATTACKS SURGE
Borno state remained the epicentre of attacks. It accounted for 67 percent of incidents and 72 percent of deaths in 2025.
Civilians were the most affected. They made up 67 percent of those killed. In contrast, military personnel accounted for 19 percent. This shows growing vulnerability among ordinary Nigerians.
ISWAP emerged as the deadliest group. It drove over half of all attacks and deaths. The group carried out 92 attacks and caused 384 deaths. This is a sharp rise from 20 attacks in 2024.
Meanwhile, Boko Haram also intensified its operations. It carried out 43 attacks and caused 213 deaths. In 2024, it recorded 26 attacks and 166 deaths.
Overall, the report links the trend to territorial conflicts and internal rivalries. It also points to economic hardship and weak governance. These factors continue to fuel recruitment and violence.
ADC KNOCKS TINUBU, PROPOSES SECURITY REFORMS
Reacting to the report, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) criticised President Bola Tinubu, accusing his administration of failing to address the worsening security situation.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party’s spokesperson, said more Nigerians have died under Tinubu than at any other time.
“While President Tinubu eats cake in London, the Global Terrorism Index confirms that more Nigerians have died from terrorist attacks under his watch than at any other time in history,” the statement read.
The party noted that attacks have surged by 43 percent. It added that Borno now accounts for most incidents and deaths.
It also raised concerns over civilian casualties, alluding that civilians now make up 67 percent of fatalities. The party said this shows how exposed Nigerians have become.
In addition, the ADC criticised the president’s recent trip abroad, drawing comparisons with how foreign leaders respond to security incidents in their countries.
Consequently, the party outlined a three-pronged strategy to tackle insecurity.
First, it said it would improve intelligence coordination by establishing a national intelligence coordination system and a unified joint terrorism task force.
In addition, it proposed decentralising policing by creating federal, state, and community-based security structures with clearly defined roles and accountability.
Furthermore, the party said it would shift from reactive to preventive security by deploying intelligence-driven systems, early warning mechanisms, and rapid response units across states.
The ADC said its focus would be to stop attacks before they occur rather than merely responding after incidents.
