Nigeria Tops Global Terrorism Surge in 2025: Deadliest Year Amid Worldwide Decline!

Reported by Marian Opeyemi Fasesan, Editor‑in‑Chief | Journalist at Sele Media Africa

Nigeria recorded the largest year‑on‑year global increase in deaths from terrorism in 2025, with fatalities rising by an alarming 46 per cent compared with the previous year, according to data from the 2026 Global Terrorism Index (GTI) released by the Institute for Economics & Peace (IEP). The trend marks a stark divergence from global patterns, where overall terrorism‑related deaths declined significantly, highlighting the intensifying security crisis in West Africa’s most populous nation.

The GTI, widely recognised as the world’s leading annual assessment of terrorism impact, reported that Nigeria’s terrorism fatalities climbed from 513 in 2024 to approximately 750 in 2025. This positioned Nigeria as the fourth‑most affected country globally in terms of terrorism‑related deaths last year, behind Pakistan, Burkina Faso and Niger. The 46 per cent uptick was the highest rate of increase internationally, standing in contrast to a 28 per cent global decline in terrorism deaths and an almost 22 per cent reduction in the number of attacks worldwide.

Security Landscape: Complex and Escalating Threats

The surge in fatalities reflects a complex security landscape in Nigeria, where multiple extremist groups and regional dynamics have fuelled violence. Islamist insurgencies, particularly from Boko Haram and its offshoot Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), remain central drivers of violent attacks across the northeast and beyond. These groups have demonstrated resilience and adaptability, frequently launching coordinated assaults on both civilian targets and security forces.

Other violent actors, such as the relatively newer extremist faction Lakurawa, have also contributed to the widening theatre of violence. The cumulative effect of such militant activity has deepened the security crisis, resulting in a humanitarian toll that extends beyond official fatality figures. Incidents like the massacre in Kwara State in February 2026, where militant attacks reportedly killed more than 160 villagers, underscore the lethal reach of extremist actors within Nigeria’s interior.

The overall increase in deaths has occurred despite a broader global downtrend. Analysts attribute the worldwide decrease to tactical shifts by extremist organisations, enhanced counterterrorism cooperation between states, and improvements in intelligence‑led operations. However, these gains have not translated into improved security outcomes for Nigeria, where entrenched insurgencies and porous borders with the Sahel enable militant networks to regroup and expand.

Regional and International Impacts

The escalation of violence in Nigeria is part of a wider pattern of instability across the Sahel and neighbouring regions. Countries such as the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) also reported significant increases in terrorism deaths in 2025, driven by affiliated insurgent groups such as the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), which has links to the Islamic State’s broader network.

Experts note that the concentration of terrorism fatalities in West and Central Africa underscores the shifting epicentre of global jihadist violence. The Sahel remains a hotspot: despite a decrease in deaths in some parts, extremist groups continue to exploit governance gaps and socioeconomic vulnerabilities across the region.

Domestic Responses and Strategic Challenges

Inside Nigeria, the government and military continue to face mounting pressure to contain the multifaceted security threats. The Nigerian Armed Forces have conducted operations against insurgent strongholds, but the persistence and lethality of extremist attacks reveal limitations in current counterterrorism strategies. International support, including advisory roles and strategic partnerships, has been sought to bolster capacity, though critics argue for a more comprehensive and locally driven approach.

President Bola Tinubu’s administration has publicly committed to strengthening national security architecture and restoring stability. Nonetheless, the marked rise in deaths highlights the urgency for both tactical and structural reforms, including improved intelligence coordination, community engagement and rehabilitation programs for affected regions.

Looking Ahead

The 2025 surge in terrorism fatalities in Nigeria presents a sobering indicator of deepening insecurity. As the nation grapples with one of the deadliest phases of extremist violence in recent history, national and international stakeholders face intensified calls to adapt strategies that address both the immediate threats and the underlying drivers of violent extremism.

Sources:

• The Guardian – Jihadist violence in Nigeria and DRC rose sharply last year even as global deaths from terror fell (theguardian.com⁠�)
• BarristerNG – Nigeria Rises to Fourth in Global Terrorism Index (barristerng.com⁠�)
• Dazzling Dawn – Jihadist Violence in Nigeria and DRC Surges as Global Terror Deaths Decline (dazzlingdawn.com⁠�)

Marian Opeyemi Fasesan

Marian Opeyemi Fasesan is a dynamic journalist and editorial leader committed to excellence in news reporting and storytelling. As the Editor-in-Chief of Sele Media Africa, she ensures daily operations run smoothly while upholding the highest editorial standards. With a strong eye for detail and deep understanding of audience engagement, Marian coordinates content across platforms, guiding teams to produce compelling, timely, and credible news. Her leadership reflects the heart of Sele Media Africa’s mission—to inform, inspire, and elevate voices across the continent.

www.selemedia.org