Nigeria’s rise to fourth place among the world’s most terrorism-affected countries is triggering renewed concerns over public safety, as new data highlights a sharp increase in violence and a shifting threat landscape across the region.
The latest Global Terrorism Index released by the Institute for Economics and Peace shows that Nigeria recorded 750 terrorism-related deaths in 2025, marking a 46 percent increase from the previous year. Analysts say the figures point to a resurgence of deadly attacks, particularly in areas already grappling with insecurity.
The report identifies extremist groups, including Boko Haram and ISWAP, as key drivers of the violence, with ongoing clashes and attacks continuing to put civilian populations at risk. Security experts warn that the persistence of these threats raises questions about the effectiveness of current counter-terrorism measures.
Across the wider Sahel region, which includes parts of West and sub-Saharan Africa, the situation remains dire. The region accounted for nearly half of all global terrorism-related deaths for the third consecutive year, underlining its status as the most dangerous zone for extremist violence.
Despite a global drop in terrorism fatalities from 7,555 in 2024 to 5,582 in 2025 the concentration of attacks in the Sahel is intensifying. Countries like Niger and Mali continue to face sustained assaults, while new patterns show militants increasingly targeting military formations rather than civilians in some areas.
Security analysts also warn of a gradual spread of extremist activity toward coastal West African states, with countries such as Benin recording notable increases. This expansion, they say, poses a broader regional threat that could undermine stability if not urgently addressed.
For Nigeria, the report serves as a stark reminder of the need to strengthen security coordination, intelligence gathering, and community protection strategies. Observers say without sustained and adaptive responses, the rising trend could deepen fears among citizens and further challenge efforts to restore safety nationwide.
