Nigeria Named Site of 10th Deadliest Terrorist Attack in 2025 by Global Terrorism Index
A recent report from the Global Terrorism Index (GTI) has identified Nigeria as the country that experienced the 10th deadliest terrorist attack globally in 2025. The findings highlight a significant escalation in violence, with civilians bearing the brunt of the atrocities.
Details of the Deadly Incident in Borno State
The GTI report specifically cited an attack on Darajamal village in Bama Local Government Area, Borno State, which occurred on September 5, 2025. During this assault, terrorists killed 58 villagers and five soldiers, resulting in a total of 63 fatalities. The Nigerian Army responded effectively, leading to the death of 30 terrorists, although the responsible group remains unidentified at the time of the report's compilation.
Rising Terrorism Fatalities and Regional Context
According to the GTI, 70 percent of terrorism-related deaths in 2025 were concentrated in just five countries: Pakistan, Burkina Faso, Nigeria, Niger, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Nigeria saw the largest increase in deaths, with a rise of 237 fatalities compared to previous years. The report emphasized that six of the ten countries most impacted by terrorism are located in sub-Saharan Africa, which it described as the global epicentre of terrorism.
Significant Increase in Terrorist Activity in Nigeria
In 2025, Nigeria experienced a 46 percent increase in terrorism fatalities, reaching 750 deaths, the highest toll since 2020. Terror attacks surged by 43 percent, from 120 incidents in 2024 to 171 in 2025. The northeastern state of Borno was the most affected region, accounting for 67 percent of attacks and 72 percent of deaths. The Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and Boko Haram were responsible for 80 percent of all terrorism in the country, driven by internal instability and ongoing conflicts between these groups.
Civilians as Primary Targets in Terrorist Attacks
The GTI report noted that civilians were the most targeted group in 2025, representing 67 percent of fatalities, while military forces accounted for 19 percent. This marks a clear shift in targeting patterns over the past five years; in 2020, civilians made up 39 percent of terrorism-related deaths, nearly equal to military fatalities. The steady increase underscores the growing vulnerability of non-combatants in conflict zones.
Activity of Major Terrorist Groups in Nigeria
ISWAP reclaimed its position as Nigeria's deadliest terrorist group in 2025, responsible for over half of all attacks and deaths. After a decrease to 20 attacks in 2024, the group re-escalated to carry out 92 attacks, resulting in 384 deaths. Boko Haram remained active and increasingly lethal, conducting 43 attacks that led to 213 fatalities, up from 26 attacks and 166 deaths in 2024. The group was also responsible for Nigeria's second most lethal terror attack of 2025, involving the abduction and killing of civilians in Kukawa local government area, Borno State.
Emergence of New Terrorist Groups and Security Challenges
Lakurawa, a relatively new terrorist group affiliated with the Islamic State Sahel Province, emerged in 2024 and escalated its activities in 2025, recording ten attacks and 74 deaths, a sharp increase from three attacks and two deaths the previous year. Conflict over territory and internal factional fighting within and between Boko Haram and ISWAP continue to shape Nigeria's security landscape. Additionally, significant economic challenges have fueled social unrest and weakened governance, creating conditions that facilitate terrorist recruitment and escalate militant activity.
Urgent Need for Counterterrorism Initiatives
The GTI highlighted that the continued escalation in violence and terrorist activities in Nigeria underscores the urgent need for increased counterterrorism initiatives and measures to improve internal stability. The report calls for heightened efforts to address the root causes of terrorism and enhance security protocols to protect civilians and military personnel alike.
