Crime & SecurityNewsNigeriaNigeria Ranks 4th Globally in Terrorism Impact as GTI Reports Surge in Attacks

Nigeria has been ranked the fourth most impacted country by terrorism globally in the 2025 Global Terrorism Index (GTI), amid a sharp rise in attacks and fatalities across the country.

The report by the Global Terrorism Index also named Nigeria as the country that recorded the 10th deadliest terrorist attack in 2025, following the killing of 58 villagers and five soldiers during a September 5 assault on Darajamal village in Bama Local Government Area of Borno State.

According to the report, the Nigerian Army responded to the attack, killing 30 of the assailants, although the group responsible had yet to be officially identified at the time of filing the report.

The GTI noted that terrorism remains heavily concentrated in a few countries, stating that, “70 per cent of the deaths from terrorism occurred in only five countries: Pakistan, Burkina Faso, Nigeria, Niger, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).”

It added, “Six of the 10 countries most impacted by terrorism are in sub-Saharan Africa, now the global epicentre of terrorism.”

Nigeria recorded the largest increase in terrorism-related deaths globally in 2025, with fatalities rising by 46 per cent to 750. The country also saw a 43 per cent increase in attacks, rising from 120 incidents in 2024 to 171 in 2025.

“In 2025, Nigeria rose two places in the Index, reflecting the significant increase in terrorist activity in the country. Terror attacks in Nigeria increased by 43 per cent this year, from 120 incidents in 2024 to 171 in 2025.

“Deaths from terrorism have continued to rise, increasing by 46 per cent to 750 in 2025. This marks the highest death toll since 2020, driven by internal instability as well as ongoing conflict between ISWAP and Boko Haram.

“Together, fatalities attributed to these groups accounted for 80 per cent of all terrorism-related deaths in the country in 2025. Terrorist activity this year was heavily concentrated in the northeastern state of Borno, which experienced 67 per cent of attacks and 72 per cent of deaths in 2025.”

The report identified Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and Boko Haram as the dominant groups driving violence in Nigeria, jointly responsible for 80 per cent of terrorism-related deaths.

ISWAP emerged as the deadliest group in 2025, carrying out 92 attacks and causing 384 deaths, a significant rise from 20 attacks recorded in 2024. Boko Haram, while less dominant, remained highly active, carrying out 43 attacks that resulted in 213 deaths.

The report further highlighted a worrying shift in targets, noting that civilians bore the brunt of the violence.

“Civilians continued to be the most targeted group in 2025, accounting for 67 per cent of fatalities, while military forces represented 19 per cent.”

This marks a sharp increase from 2020, when civilians accounted for 39 per cent of terrorism-related deaths.

Beyond the Darajamal incident, Boko Haram was also linked to another major attack in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State, where militants raided Mallam Karamti and Kwatandashi villages. About 100 civilians were reportedly abducted, with 57 bodies later recovered and 70 persons still missing.

The GTI also identified the emergence of a new group, Lakurawa, described as an affiliate of the Islamic State Sahel Province. The group carried out 10 attacks and caused 74 deaths in 2025, a sharp rise from just three attacks and two deaths recorded in 2024.

The report attributed the rising insecurity to internal instability, economic challenges, and ongoing rivalry between terrorist factions competing for control of territory in the North-East.

It noted that conflict between ISWAP and Boko Haram continues to shape Nigeria’s security landscape, while poverty and weak governance create conditions that fuel recruitment into extremist groups.

The report also pointed to increasing international involvement in counterterrorism efforts. It cited a joint operation involving the Nigerian government and the United States, where US forces conducted airstrikes on terrorist camps in North-East Nigeria in December 2025.

Despite ongoing military operations, the GTI warned that violence remains persistent and called for urgent action.

It stated that the continued escalation in attacks “highlights the urgent need for increased counterterrorism initiatives, as well as heightened measures to improve internal stability.”