Despite substantial decrease in terrorism worldwide, Nigeria ranked fourth in Global Terrorism Index, recording “significant increase” in killings and other nefarious terrorists’ activities in 2025.

Nigeria ranked fourth after Niger Republic, while Pakistan and Burkina Faso climbed first and second respectively in Global Terrorism Index for 2025.

The Institute for Economics & Peace (IEP) in its Global Terrorism Index 2026 report published on Thursday stated that Nigeria moved two places up among countries with deteriorating terrorism problem.

https://www.economicsandpeace.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Global-Terrorism-Index-2026-Report.pdf

“In 2025, Nigeria rose two places in the Index, reflecting the significant increase of terrorist activity in the country,” the report said. “Terror attacks in Nigeria increased by 43 per cent this year, from 120 incidents in 2024 to 171 in 2025.”

The report stated that Nigeria recorded increased terror attacks in 2025, the highest casualties in the past five years.

“Deaths from terrorism have continued to rise, increasing by 46 per cent to 750 in 2025. This marks the highest death toll since 2020, driven by internal instability as well as ongoing conflict between 
ISWAP and Boko Haram,” the report said.

According to the report, Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) reclaimed its position as Nigeria’s deadliest terrorist group this year. In 2025, the group was responsible for over half of attacks and deaths in the country. Despite a decrease in attacks in recent years, only claiming 20 in 2024, ISWAP re-escalated and carried out 92 attacks this year, resulting in 384 deaths. 

It added, “Despite being surpassed by ISWAP, Boko Haram continued 
to be active and increasingly lethal in Nigeria this year. The group carried out 43 attacks that resulted in 213 fatalities, compared to 26 attacks and 166 deaths in 2024. They also claimed responsibility for Nigeria’s second most lethal terror attack of 2025, when armed militants raided the neighbouring villages of Mallam Karamti and Kwatandashi in Kukawa local government area, Borno State.”

The report also highlighted terrorists attack on “Darajamal, Bama local government area, Borno State, on 5 September, killing 58 villagers and five soldiers,” ranking among 20 most fatal terrorist attacks in 2025.

A presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, did not respond to call seeking comments on the report. 

A WhatsApp message sent to him seeking comments had yet to be replied  as of the time this report was published.