Nigeria’s security challenges have intensified sharply, with the country now ranked as the fourth most terrorism-impacted nation in the world, according to the 2025 Global Terrorism Index (GTI).
The latest findings from the Institute for Economics & Peace show a worrying spike in violent incidents across the country. Terror-related attacks surged by 43% in 2025, rising from 120 cases in 2024 to 171 within the year under review.
In the global rankings, Nigeria trails only Pakistan, Burkina Faso, and Niger, underscoring the growing scale of insecurity in the region.
The surge in attacks has translated into more devastating consequences. Terror-related deaths climbed by 46%, reaching 750 fatalities in 2025 — making it the deadliest year Nigeria has recorded in the last five years.
The report identifies Islamic State West Africa Province and Boko Haram as the primary perpetrators, collectively responsible for 80% of all recorded deaths.
Civilians continue to suffer the most, accounting for 67% of all casualties. Military personnel made up 19%, highlighting the widespread impact of insurgent activities beyond direct combat zones.
The crisis is still heavily concentrated in Borno State, which recorded a staggering 67% of all attacks and 72% of total deaths in 2025 alone. This reinforces its position as the most affected region in the country.
Nigeria’s battle with terrorism remains deeply entrenched. Since 2007, over 12,500 lives have been lost to insurgency-related violence, reflecting the persistent and complex nature of the threat.
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