Nigeria’s ranking worsens to fourth in global terrorism index as attacks rise by 43%

Nigeria ranked fourth in the global terrorism index (GTI) 2025 as attacks increased by 43 percent compared to 2024.

Pakistan topped the index, followed by Burkina Faso in second position and the Niger Republic, which is third in the ranking.

The GTI, which measures the impact of terrorism in countries in 2025, was released by the Institute for Economics & Peace (IEP), a non-profit think tank headquartered in Sydney, Australia.

According to the report, terror attacks in Nigeria increased by 43 percent in 2025, with 171 incidents recorded during the year, compared to 120 in 2024.

Nigeria moved up two places in the ranking, from sixth in 2024 to fourth in 2025.

The report stated that Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and Boko Haram were responsible for most of the terror attacks in the country in 2025.

Civilians were the most targeted groups in 2025, accounting for 67 percent of the attacks, while the military accounted for 19 percent, according to the report.

“In 2025, Nigeria rose two places in the index, reflecting the significant increase of terrorist activity in the country,” the report stated.

“Terror attacks in Nigeria increased by 43 per cent this year, from 120 incidents in 2024 to 171 in 2025.

“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.

“Together, fatalities attributed to these groups accounted for 80 per cent of all terrorism-related deaths in the country in 2025.

“Terrorist activity this year was heavily concentrated in the northeastern state of Borno, which experienced 67 per cent of attacks and 72 per cent of deaths in 2025.

“Civilians continued to be the most targeted group in 2025, accounting for 67 per cent of fatalities, while military forces represented 19 per cent.

“This percentage has been steadily increasing over the last five years, highlighting a clear shift in terrorist targeting patterns in the country.”

The report also stated that 750 people died and 243 were injured in 171 terror attacks in Nigeria in 2025, while 12,581 deaths have been recorded since 2007. (the cable)