Nigeria has risen to the sixth position in the 2025 Global Terrorism Index (GTI), reflecting a concerning escalation in terrorism-related incidents within the country.
The Institute for Economics & Peace, which compiles the annual index, reported that Nigeria's score of 7.658 signifies an increase in fatalities over the past two years. This marks a shift from its previous eighth-place ranking in 2023 and 2024.
In 2024 alone, Nigeria experienced 565 deaths attributed to terrorist activities, underscoring the persistent security challenges posed by groups such as Boko Haram and the Islamic State's West Africa Province (ISWAP). The GTI report also highlights a geographic spread of these incidents, affecting various regions and exacerbating humanitarian concerns.
The Nigerian government has reiterated its commitment to combating terrorism through enhanced military operations and regional collaborations. However, analysts emphasize the need for comprehensive strategies that address underlying socio-economic issues contributing to radicalization.
The international community continues to monitor the situation, offering support to Nigeria's counter-terrorism efforts while advocating for human rights and the protection of civilians.