Nigeria Records Sharp Rise in Terrorism Deaths, Bucking Global Trend

Nigeria recorded one of the steepest increases in terrorism fatalities globally in 2025, even as terror-related deaths worldwide fell to their lowest level in nearly two decades, according to the 2026 Global Terrorism Index.

The report, produced by the Institute for Economics & Peace, revealed that terrorism deaths in Nigeria rose by 46 per cent to 750 in 2025. The Islamic State West Africa Province and Boko Haram were responsible for 80 per cent of all terrorism-related fatalities in the country.

According to the index, Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of the Congo recorded the largest increases in deaths from terrorism, with rises of 237 and 102 fatalities respectively.

The report noted that just under 70 per cent of all terrorism deaths globally occurred in only five countries: Pakistan, Burkina Faso, Nigeria, Niger, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Nigeria also accounted for two of the 20 deadliest terrorist attacks recorded in 2025, both of which took place in Borno State and were attributed to ISWAP and Boko Haram.

In one incident on September 5, 2025, gunmen attacked the village of Darajamal in Bama local government area, killing 58 villagers and five soldiers. Local media reports attributed the attack to ISWAP, although no group officially claimed responsibility at the time.

On May 15, 2025, jihadists attacked the neighbouring villages of Mallam Karamti and Kwatandashi in Kukawa local government area. According to local press reports, approximately 100 civilians were rounded up and taken into the forest. Fifty-seven bodies were later recovered, while 70 individuals remained missing. Media reports attributed the attack to Boko Haram’s JAS faction.

Globally, the index recorded a 28 per cent decline in terrorism deaths, which fell to 5,582, while incidents dropped by 22 per cent to 2,944 the lowest figures since 2007.

However, the report highlighted a worrying spike in Western countries, where terrorism fatalities rose sharply by 280 per cent to 57 in 2025, largely driven by antisemitism, Islamophobia, and political terrorism.

Sub-Saharan Africa continues to bear the heaviest burden of global terrorism, with six of the ten most affected countries located in the region.

For the first time since the index began, Pakistan ranked as the country most impacted by terrorism, recording 1,139 deaths and 1,045 incidents in 2025 its highest level since 2013.

The report also identified a troubling rise in youth radicalisation, noting that investigations linked to youth terrorism have tripled since 2021. It added that over the same period, 93 per cent of all fatal attacks in Western countries were carried out by lone actors.

Globally, the Islamic State and its affiliates remained the deadliest terrorist organisation, responsible for just under 17 per cent of all attacks in 2025. Other major groups contributing to global fatalities include Jamaat Nusrat Al-Islam wal Muslimeen, Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan, and al-Shabaab.

The GTI highlighted shifting patterns in terrorism, particularly in border regions, stating that over 76 per cent of attacks occurred within 100 kilometres of an international border in 2025, up from just under 60 per cent in 2007.

Despite the global decline in attacks, the report warned that emerging geopolitical tensions could reverse recent gains. It cautioned that escalating conflicts, particularly in the Middle East, could fuel further instability and increase the risk of terrorism spreading across regions.

The report stressed that although improvements were recorded in 81 countries the highest since 2021 terrorism remains a significant global threat, especially in conflict-affected areas. It noted that the sharp rise in countries like Nigeria underscores the urgent need for more effective counter-terrorism strategies and sustained international cooperation.