Experts raise alarm as Nigeria climbs to 4th on global terrorism index

Nigeria has been ranked the fourth most terrorized country globally, according to the 2026 Global Terrorism Index (GTI), sparking widespread concern and public outrage.

The report reveals that terrorist incidents in Nigeria rose sharply by 43% in 2025, with 171 attacks recorded and 750 fatalities. This is a marked increase from 2024, when Nigeria was ranked sixth globally.

The GTI attributes the surge in terrorism primarily to extremist groups, which were responsible for 80% of terrorism-related deaths in the country last year. The North East, particularly Borno State, remains the epicenter of extremist violence, accounting for 67% of attacks and 72% of deaths.

The early months of 2026 indicate the crisis is worsening, with reports of approximately 136 attacks by terrorists, bandits, suspected Fulani herdsmen, and other non-state actors, resulting in over 300 deaths. The North-West geopolitical zone has been the hardest hit, recording 217 fatalities, followed by the North-Central zone with over 100 deaths.

Opposition figures, including the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, condemned the government, calling the ranking “a painful indictment of failed leadership.” Obi criticized weak governance, corruption, and the neglect of security, stressing that while other nations reduce terrorism, Nigeria’s situation worsens.

Experts warn that the crisis may not end soon. Dr. Lucius Hibila, a chieftain of the in Kaduna State, expressed deep concern over the persistent rise in terrorism, questioning whether external forces are fueling the attacks. “Our troops are killing terrorists, yet their numbers increase daily. Something beyond local actors is at play,” he said, emphasizing the need to address root causes rather than symptoms.

In response to growing insecurity concerns, the presidency has yet to formally comment on the GTI ranking. The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, , could not be reached for comment.

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However, President assured Nigerians on Sunday in Lagos that his administration would intensify efforts to tackle insecurity nationwide. Speaking during an Eid-el-Fitr gathering attended by Vice President and 23 governors, Tinubu highlighted discussions held in the United Kingdom with international partners, including the French President, for equipment and support to combat terrorism.

“Insecurity is an enemy of development, progress, and prosperity,” the President said, noting ongoing international collaborations and national initiatives to strengthen security networks and modern interventions.

Security analysts warn that Nigeria’s ranking as the fourth most terrorized nation underscores systemic failures in governance, intelligence coordination, and counter-terrorism strategy.

According to Dr. Chinedu Okafor, a counter-terrorism specialist, “The rise in attacks indicates both operational inefficiencies within the military and police, and a lack of proactive strategies to address ideological recruitment by extremist groups.”

Okafor further noted that terrorism in Nigeria is now intertwined with criminal networks, banditry, and non-state militias, complicating conventional counter-terrorism measures. “If Nigeria continues to treat the crisis as sporadic incidents rather than a long-term structural problem, the country risks further escalation and deeper regional instability,” he said.

Security experts suggest a multi-pronged approach, combining community engagement, intelligence-led operations, socio-economic development in hotspot regions, and strengthened international collaboration to address both the immediate threat and underlying causes fueling terrorism in Nigeria.

The GTI report has thus become a rallying point for discussions on urgent reforms, with analysts emphasizing that without decisive action, Nigeria’s ranking—and human toll—may worsen in the coming years.