Nigeria has recorded the highest increase in terrorism-related deaths globally in 2025, with fatalities rising by 46 per cent to 750, according to the latest Global Terrorism Index (GTI) report.
The report, published by the Institute for Economics and Peace, was cited by ObservatoryNG, which highlighted the growing threat posed by extremist groups such as Islamic State West Africa Province and Boko Haram.
According to the report, “Nigeria recorded the steepest rise in terrorism-related deaths of any country in 2025,” underscoring worsening insecurity even as global figures showed improvement.
The 2025 GTI, which tracks terrorism trends across more than 160 countries, revealed a contrasting global picture. It stated that “terrorism deaths dropped 28 per cent in 2025 to 5,582, while attacks fell by nearly 22 per cent to 2,944 incidents,” marking some of the lowest figures recorded in recent years.
Despite the global decline, sub-Saharan Africa remains the most affected region, accounting for the highest number of terrorism-related fatalities worldwide.
The report noted that “eighty-one countries registered improved outcomes, and only 19 experienced deterioration, the smallest number since the index began,” suggesting a broader trend of progress in counterterrorism efforts.
However, the GTI warned that these gains may not be sustainable. “Emerging global conflicts, the resurgence of geopolitical rivalries, and deepening instability in parts of Africa and Asia could yet reverse hard-won improvements,” the report stated.
It further highlighted that seven of the 19 countries that recorded worsening conditions were in Western nations, pointing to “a worrying uptick in domestic radicalisation and lone-actor attacks.”
Analysts say Nigeria’s rising death toll reflects the continued operational strength of insurgent groups, particularly in the North-East, where attacks by ISWAP and Boko Haram have persisted despite military offensives.
The findings reinforce concerns that while global terrorism may be declining overall, Nigeria and parts of sub-Saharan Africa remain at the frontline of the crisis.
