Nigeria Emerges as Fourth Most Terrorized Country in 2025 Global Terrorism Index
The recently published Global Terrorism Index (GTI) 2026 has placed Nigeria as the fourth most terrorized country in the world for the year 2025, ranking ahead of nations like Afghanistan, Iran, and Iraq. This alarming assessment was released by the Institute for Economics and Peace on Thursday, March 19, 2026, highlighting a significant escalation in terrorist activities within the West African nation.
Sahel Region Dominates Global Terrorism Fatalities
According to the comprehensive report, approximately 70 percent of all terrorism-related deaths in 2025 occurred in just five countries: Pakistan, Burkina Faso, Nigeria, Niger Republic, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Nigeria stands out as the Sahel country with the highest number of terror incidents and fatalities during this period.
The ranking of the most terrorized nations is as follows:
- Pakistan
- Burkina Faso
- Niger Republic
- Nigeria
Sharp Increase in Nigerian Terrorism Fatalities
The GTI report disclosed that Nigeria experienced a 46 percent increase in terrorism fatalities in 2025, with the death toll rising to 750. This represents 237 more deaths than recorded in 2024, marking a 13 percent overall increase. During this timeframe, there were 243 injuries and 171 documented terror incidents across the country.
"Nigeria recorded the largest increase and has experienced a steady rise in terrorism-related deaths since 2022," the report emphasized, noting that the country was the only one in the Sahel region to see increases in both fatalities and incidents while neighboring nations recorded declines.
ISWAP and Boko Haram Responsible for Majority of Attacks
The report identifies the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and Boko Haram as the primary perpetrators of terror attacks in Nigeria, responsible for approximately 80 percent of all terrorism deaths in the country during 2025. Specifically, these groups accounted for 82.8 percent of terrorism fatalities, with their increased activity prompting US-backed strikes in northwestern Nigeria in late 2025.
"The increase in terrorist activity comes amidst a surge in both ideological and criminal violence in the country," the GTI analysis noted, underscoring the complex security challenges facing Nigeria.
Long-Term Presence on Terrorism Index
Disturbingly, the report reveals that Nigeria has appeared on the index of countries affected by terrorism every year since 2011, demonstrating a persistent security crisis. Civilians have become the most frequently targeted group, bearing the brunt of the violence that continues to plague the nation.
This latest ranking serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing security challenges confronting Nigeria, even as other Sahel nations show some improvement in their counter-terrorism efforts.
