Nigeria ranked sixth in the 2024 Global Terrorism Index, with 565 deaths linked to terrorism. Despite a 37% drop in attacks, fatalities increased by 6%. Boko Haram and ISWAP remain major threats, with the Sahel region accounting for over half of global terrorism deaths. Weak governance fuels persistent insecurity.
Nigeria has been ranked as the sixth most terrorism-affected country in the world, according to the 2024 Global Terrorism Index (GTI). The report highlights that while the number of attacks in Nigeria decreased by 37%, the overall fatalities from terrorism rose by 6%, with 565 deaths recorded.
The Sahel region, which includes parts of northern Nigeria, remains a global hotspot for extremist violence, contributing to over half of the world’s terrorism-related deaths. Groups such as Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) continue to be responsible for much of the violence, with Yobe emerging as a critical area of concern.
The report attributes the persistent insecurity to weak governance, ethnic divisions, and environmental degradation, which create conditions for extremist groups to thrive. Additionally, the competition over mineral resources in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger is believed to be fueling further instability in the region.
On a global scale, Burkina Faso, Pakistan, and Syria recorded the highest number of terrorism-related deaths. The Islamic State (IS) remains the deadliest terrorist group, responsible for nearly 1,805 deaths across 22 countries in 2024.
While terrorism-related deaths in some parts of sub-Saharan Africa have declined, the Sahel continues to face escalating violence. Experts warn that unless security measures are strengthened, Nigeria and its neighboring countries may experience further deterioration in safety and stability.
