The latest Global Terrorism Index ranking Nigeria as the sixth most terrorism-impacted nation is a distressing wake-up call.
Development Diaries reports that Nigeria has risen to sixth place in the 2025 Global Terrorism Index (GTI), with a score of 7.658.
The report highlights a disturbing increase in terrorism-related fatalities, climbing from 533 in 2023 to 565 in 2024.
This follows a troubling pattern after years of progress, with deaths previously dropping to 392 in 2022, the lowest since 2011.
IS-Sahel’s expansion into Nigeria signals an evolving security threat, with the group, In 2024 alone, carrying out 16 attacks within the country’s borders, further destabilising already vulnerable regions.
The broader Sahel region, now the epicentre of global terrorism, accounted for 51 percent of all terrorism-related deaths last year. If this trend continues unchecked, Nigeria risks deeper entrenchment in a cycle of violence that has devastated neighbouring Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger.
It is deeply concerning for Nigeria to be ranked among the world’s most terrorism-affected nations when proactive counterterrorism measures and security reforms could alter this trajectory.
The Nigerian government must invest heavily in intelligence-driven counterterrorism strategies, equipping security agencies with advanced surveillance technology, training, and logistical support. Transparency in security operations is also crucial to restoring public trust.
Extremism thrives in poverty, lack of education, and weak governance, with over 40 percent of Nigerians living in poverty and youth unemployment at 8.4 percent, according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).
These conditions fuel terrorist recruitment, and comprehensive economic and educational policies must be implemented to provide alternatives to radicalisation.
Also, corruption within the military and government institutions undermines the fight against terrorism, requiring the transparent allocation of security funds and strict accountability measures to be enforced to prevent mismanagement.
Development Diaries calls on the National Security Advisor (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, and the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, to implement urgent, measurable actions to combat terrorism effectively.
Failure to act could cost more lives, erode investor confidence, hinder economic progress, and further destabilise the nation.
Source: Vision of Humanity
