Nigeria rises to 4th on Global Terrorism Index amid surge in deaths

THE latest Global Terrorism Index (GTI) 2026, published by the Institute for Economics and Peace, has shown that Nigeria recorded the highest increase in terrorism-related deaths worldwide, climbing to 4th position on the global ranking.

The report places Pakistan at the top of the index, followed by Burkina Faso and Niger, with Nigeria now ranking fourth.

It noted that Nigeria has, in recent years, continued to face rising incidents of terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping, with several senior military personnel among those killed in related attacks across the country.

The GTI 2026 report, released on March 19, 2026, by the Institute for Economics and Peace, also confirmed that global terrorism declined by about 28 percent, reaching its lowest level since 2007, even as certain regions remained heavily affected.

According to the findings, Sub-Saharan Africa continues to be the global epicentre of terrorism, accounting for 6 of the 10 most impacted countries. At the same time, Western nations recorded a sharp 280 percent increase in terrorism-related fatalities.

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Despite the overall global decline, the report highlighted that deaths in Western countries rose significantly, driven by politically motivated violence as well as incidents linked to antisemitism and Islamophobia.

It further observed a shift in radicalisation patterns, noting that extremist influence is becoming faster, more decentralised, and increasingly driven by online platforms, with lone-wolf attacks, especially among young people, emerging as a growing concern.

The report also stated that the Islamic State (IS) and its affiliates remained the deadliest terrorist network in 2025, responsible for nearly 17 percent of all recorded attacks globally.

Commenting on the development, the Tanimu Turaki-led Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) described the findings as a reflection of the current administration’s handling of national security.

The party said it was not surprised by the report, arguing that the worsening insecurity mirrors the everyday experience of Nigerians, and criticised leaders for being disconnected from the country’s security realities.

It further stated that it is troubling that those responsible for protecting citizens are “wining, dining, and dancing” abroad while insecurity persists at home, adding that the situation has made insecurity a major economic and social burden.

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The PDP urged President Bola Tinubu and security agencies to move beyond reactive responses and adopt a more comprehensive, society-wide approach to tackling insecurity.

It also called for policies aimed at achieving both immediate ‘negative peace,’ meaning the reduction of violent incidents, and long-term ‘positive peace,’ which focuses on sustainable harmony and coexistence.

The party stressed that the primary responsibility of government is the protection of lives and property, accusing the current administration of falling short of that constitutional duty.