Nigeria’s security situation worsened significantly in 2025, with new data showing a sharp rise in terrorist attacks and fatalities, according to the Global Terrorism Index 2026.
The report states that Nigeria climbed two places to rank fourth globally, reflecting a surge in terrorist activity. Attacks increased by 43 percent, rising from 120 incidents in 2024 to 171 in 2025. Deaths linked to terrorism also rose sharply, increasing by 46 percent to 750 fatalities, the highest level recorded since 2020.
Much of the violence continues to be driven by extremist groups such as Islamic State West Africa Province and Boko Haram, which together accounted for around 80 percent of all terrorism-related deaths in the country.
The impact remains heavily concentrated in northeastern Nigeria, particularly in Borno State. The region alone recorded 67 percent of all attacks and 72 percent of total deaths in 2025, underscoring its position as the epicentre of insurgent activity.
Unlike several neighbouring countries in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in the Sahel, where both attacks and fatalities declined, Nigeria was the only country in the region to experience increases in both categories.
The report highlights that this escalation is part of a broader trend, with terrorism-related deaths steadily rising since 2022. In 2025 alone, fatalities were 237 higher than the previous year. A key driver of this trend is the rapid expansion of IS-linked activity. Attacks attributed to ISIS-affiliated groups jumped from 20 in 2024 to 92 in 2025, signalling a growing operational capacity.
Globally, terrorism remains concentrated in a small number of countries. Nigeria is listed alongside Burkina Faso, Pakistan, Niger, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo as accounting for 70 percent of worldwide terrorism deaths.
While countries like Burkina Faso and Niger recorded significant declines in fatalities, Nigeria recorded the largest increase, reinforcing concerns about its deteriorating security landscape.
Despite years of military operations and counterterrorism efforts, Nigeria continues to rank among the world’s most affected countries, alongside nations such as Pakistan and Somalia, highlighting the persistent and evolving challenge of insurgency.
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