Nigeria Climbs to Fourth Position in Global Terrorism Index, Records Sharp Rise in Death Toll

Nigeria has ranked among the countries with the most significant rise in terrorism-related fatalities globally, despite an overall decline in such deaths worldwide, according to the 2026 Global Terrorism Index (GTI).

The report shows that Nigeria recorded the highest increase in 2025, with fatalities rising by 46 per cent to 750. The surge was largely attributed to attacks carried out by the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and Boko Haram, which were responsible for about 80 per cent of the total deaths.
Globally, terrorism remains concentrated, with nearly 70 per cent of deaths occurring in five countries: Pakistan, Burkina Faso, Nigeria, Niger, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Among these nations, Nigeria and the DRC posted the most notable increases, with fatalities rising by 237 and 102 respectively, according to the GTI.
Nigeria also featured in two of the 20 deadliest terrorist incidents worldwide in 2025, both occurring in Borno State. One of the attacks took place on September 5, when gunmen stormed Darajamal village in Bama Local Government Area, killing 58 villagers and five soldiers. The Nigerian Army reportedly neutralised 30 of the attackers, while local sources linked the assault to ISWAP.
Earlier, on May 15, suspected jihadists attacked Mallam Karamti and Kwatandashi villages in Kukawa Local Government Area, abducting about 100 civilians. Subsequently, 57 bodies were recovered, while 70 persons were still unaccounted for, with reports attributing the incident to Boko Haram’s JAS faction.
The GTI report, compiled by the Institute for Economics & Peace, covers 163 countries and assesses terrorism impact on a scale of 0 to 10, drawing from sources such as the Terrorism Tracker database.
Globally, 2025 recorded improvements, with terrorism-related deaths dropping by 28 per cent to 5,582 and incidents declining by 22 per cent to 2,944 — the lowest levels since 2000. However, the progress was uneven, as Western countries witnessed a 280 per cent increase in fatalities to 57, largely driven by politically motivated violence, antisemitism, and Islamophobia.
Sub-Saharan Africa remains the most affected region, with six of the ten worst-hit countries located there. Pakistan emerged as the country most impacted by terrorism for the first time since the GTI began, recording 1,139 deaths and 1,045 incidents — its highest figures since 2013.
The report also highlighted a growing trend of youth involvement in terrorism, which has tripled since 2021. In Western countries, 93 per cent of deadly attacks were carried out by lone actors.
Globally, the Islamic State (IS) and its affiliates were identified as the deadliest group, accounting for nearly 17 per cent of attacks. Other major groups include Jamaat Nusrat Al-Islam wal Muslimeen (JNIM), Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), and al-Shabaab.
The GTI further noted evolving patterns in terrorism, revealing that over 76 per cent of attacks now occur within 100 kilometres of international borders, compared to less than 60 per cent in 2007. While 81 countries recorded improvements — the highest since 2021 — the sharp increase in Nigeria highlights the urgent need for stronger counter-terrorism measures and sustained international collaboration.