Nigeria Named 10th Deadliest Country for Terrorist Attacks in 2025 by Global Terrorism Index
In a stark assessment of global security threats, Nigeria has been identified as the country that suffered the 10th deadliest terrorist attack in 2025, according to a comprehensive report compiled by the Global Terrorism Index (GTI). The findings underscore a troubling escalation in violence, with civilians bearing the brunt of the onslaught.
Key Incident and Regional Impact
The report highlights a particularly devastating assault on September 5, 2025, when terrorists attacked Darajamal village in Bama Local Government Area, Borno State. This incident resulted in the deaths of 58 villagers and five soldiers, though the Nigerian Army's response led to the elimination of 30 terrorists, whose affiliations remain unidentified at the time of the report's publication.
GTI data reveals that 70% of terrorism-related fatalities worldwide in 2025 occurred in just five nations: Pakistan, Burkina Faso, Nigeria, Niger, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Notably, Nigeria experienced the largest increase in deaths, with a rise of 237 fatalities compared to previous years. The report emphasizes that six of the ten countries most impacted by terrorism are located in sub-Saharan Africa, now recognized as the global epicenter of such violence.
Rising Terrorism Metrics in Nigeria
Nigeria recorded a significant surge in terrorist activity in 2025, with fatalities climbing by 46% to reach 750, the highest death toll since 2020. This increase propelled Nigeria two places higher in the GTI rankings. Terror attacks in the country jumped by 43%, from 120 incidents in 2024 to 171 in 2025. The northeastern state of Borno was the hardest-hit region, accounting for 67% of attacks and 72% of deaths.
The Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and Boko Haram were responsible for 80% of all terrorism in Nigeria. ISWAP reclaimed its position as the deadliest group, carrying out 92 attacks that resulted in 384 deaths, a sharp increase from 20 attacks in 2024. Boko Haram remained highly active, executing 43 attacks that led to 213 fatalities, up from 26 attacks and 166 deaths in 2024. A notable attack attributed to Boko Haram occurred in Kukawa local government area, Borno State, where militants raided Mallam Karamti and Kwatandashi villages, resulting in 57 civilian deaths and 70 individuals reported missing.
Civilian Targeting and Emerging Threats
Civilians continued to be the primary targets in 2025, representing 67% of terrorism-related fatalities, while military forces accounted for 19%. This marks a clear shift in terrorist strategies, as the percentage of civilian deaths has steadily increased over the past five years, compared to 39% in 2020 when military fatalities were nearly equal.
Additionally, a relatively new terrorist group, Lakurawa, an affiliate of the Islamic State Sahel Province, emerged as a growing threat. In 2025, Lakurawa recorded ten attacks and 74 deaths, a significant escalation from three attacks and two deaths in 2024.
Underlying Factors and Urgent Calls for Action
The report attributes Nigeria's worsening security landscape to ongoing territorial conflicts and internal factional fighting between Boko Haram and ISWAP. Compounding these issues are significant economic challenges that have fueled social unrest and weakened governance, creating conditions conducive to terrorist recruitment and heightened militant activity.
GTI underscores the urgent need for enhanced counterterrorism initiatives and measures to improve internal stability in Nigeria. The continued escalation in violence highlights the critical importance of addressing both security and socio-economic factors to curb the spread of terrorism.
