Reported by Afilawos Magana Sur, Managing Editor | Journalist at Sele Media Africa.

Nigeria has been ranked the fourth most terrorism-affected country globally in the 2025 edition of the Global Terrorism Index (GTI), underscoring renewed concerns over the country’s evolving security landscape and the broader instability across West Africa.
The report, published by the Institute for Economics and Peace, highlights a significant deterioration in Nigeria’s security metrics over the past year. According to the findings, terror-related incidents in the country surged by approximately 43 percent, while fatalities rose by 46 percent, reaching an estimated 750 deaths in 2025—the highest level recorded in recent years.
This upward trajectory has pushed Nigeria higher in the global rankings, reflecting a reversal of modest gains seen in previous years when coordinated military operations had temporarily weakened insurgent capabilities. Rising insurgency and expanding threat networks the increase in attacks has been largely attributed to the persistent activities of extremist groups such as Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province. Both groups continue to exploit security gaps, particularly in Nigeria’s North-East, where state presence remains fragile in several rural and border communities. While Boko Haram has historically been associated with mass-casualty attacks and territorial control, Islamic State West Africa Province has demonstrated increasing operational sophistication, targeting military installations and leveraging local grievances to expand its influence. Security analysts note that the convergence of insurgency, banditry, and communal conflicts—especially in the North-West—has created a complex threat environment that challenges conventional counterterrorism approaches.
The Sahel: Global epicentre of terrorism beyond Nigeria, the GTI report emphasizes a broader regional crisis. The Sahel region, stretching across parts of West and Central Africa, now accounts for nearly half of all terrorism-related deaths worldwide. This marks a dramatic shift in the global terrorism landscape, which was previously dominated by conflict zones in the Middle East and South Asia. Countries within the Sahel have witnessed a rapid proliferation of armed groups, weak governance structures, and porous borders, all of which contribute to the spread of extremist violence. Nigeria’s proximity to this volatile region further compounds its vulnerability, as cross-border movements of fighters and weapons remain difficult to contain.Government response and policy implications Nigeria’s security forces have continued to implement kinetic operations alongside intelligence-driven strategies aimed at dismantling insurgent networks. However, the GTI report suggests that military responses alone may not be sufficient to address the root causes of extremism. Experts advocate for a more holistic approach that combines security enforcement with socio-economic development, community engagement, and regional cooperation. Addressing unemployment, poverty, and governance deficits—particularly in conflict-prone areas—is seen as critical to reducing recruitment into extremist groups. Furthermore, enhanced collaboration between West African nations is increasingly viewed as essential to countering transnational terror threats. Multinational frameworks, intelligence sharing, and joint operations could play a decisive role in stabilizing the region. A Call for strategic recalibration
Nigeria’s position in the 2025 Global Terrorism Index serves as a stark reminder of the enduring and evolving nature of insecurity in the country. While progress has been made in certain areas, the resurgence of attacks signals the need for urgent recalibration of national and regional security strategies. As Africa continues to grapple with shifting patterns of extremism, Nigeria’s experience underscores the importance of resilience, innovation, and sustained commitment in the fight against terrorism.
Sources: Institute for Economics and Peace (Global Terrorism Index 2025 Report); Reuters; BBC News; Al Jazeera; The Guardian (UK); Channels Television; Premium Times Nigeria.

Afilawos Magana Sur

Afilawos Magana Sur is a journalist from Bogoro Local Government Area of Bauchi State, currently based in Bauchi metropolis. He is known for his commitment to accurate, ethical, and responsible journalism, with a focus on reporting issues of public relevance and community development.

www.selemedia.org