Nigeria has emerged as the country with the highest increase in terrorism-related deaths globally, despite an overall decline in such fatalities worldwide, the 2026 Global Terrorism Index has revealed.
The report, published by the Institute for Economics & Peace, ranked Nigeria fourth among countries most impacted by terrorism, noting a sharp deterioration in the country’s security situation.
According to the index, terrorism-related deaths in Nigeria rose by 46 per cent in 2025 to 750, representing the largest increase recorded globally within the period under review.
The report attributed about 80 per cent of the fatalities to activities of Islamic State West Africa Province and Boko Haram.
It further noted that Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of the Congo recorded the highest increases in terrorism deaths worldwide, with Nigeria accounting for 237 additional fatalities.
Despite the global decline in terrorism, the report stated that nearly 70 per cent of all terrorism-related deaths were concentrated in just five countries, Pakistan, Burkina Faso, Nigeria, Niger, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
The GTI highlighted that Nigeria recorded two of the 20 deadliest terrorist attacks globally in 2025, both occurring in Borno State.
One of the attacks took place on September 5, 2025, when gunmen invaded Darajamal village in Bama Local Government Area, killing 58 villagers and five soldiers. Security forces reportedly neutralised 30 of the attackers in the aftermath.
In another incident on May 15, 2025, suspected insurgents attacked Mallam Karamti and Kwatandashi communities in Kukawa Local Government Area, where about 100 civilians were abducted. While 57 bodies were later recovered, about 70 persons were declared missing.
The report linked the attacks to ISWAP and a faction of Boko Haram, underscoring the persistent threat posed by insurgent groups in Nigeria’s North-East region.
Globally, however, terrorism-related deaths declined significantly in 2025, dropping by 28 per cent to 5,582, while the number of incidents fell by 22 per cent to 2,944 — the lowest levels recorded since 2007.
The report noted that sub-Saharan Africa remains the epicentre of terrorism, accounting for six of the 10 most affected countries worldwide.
For the first time since the inception of the index, Pakistan ranked as the country most impacted by terrorism, recording 1,139 deaths and over 1,000 incidents in 2025.
The GTI also raised concerns over increasing youth radicalisation, revealing that investigations linked to youth involvement in terrorism have tripled since 2021.
It added that more than 76 per cent of terrorist attacks globally occurred within 100 kilometres of international borders, indicating a growing trend of cross-border insurgency.
While improvements were recorded in 81 countries, the report warned that rising geopolitical tensions could reverse the gains, stressing the need for sustained counter-terrorism efforts and stronger international collaboration.
The index concluded that although global terrorism is declining, Nigeria’s worsening figures highlight the urgent need for more effective security strategies to curb the escalating threat.
'
'Do you want to share a story with us? Do you want to advertise with us? Do you need publicity for a product, service, or event? Contact us on WhatsApp +2348183319097 Email: platformtimes@gmail.com
We are committed to impactful investigative journalism for human interest and social justice. Your donation will help us tell more stories. Kindly donate any amount HERE
