Global Terrorism Index: Nigeria Ranks Sixth, with 565 Fatalities in 2024
The report explained that IS-Sahel has expanded its reach beyond its primary area of operation in the Liptako-Gourma region, which spans the borders of Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, and Nigeria.
Nigeria has ranked sixth in the 2025 Global Terrorism Index, with a score of 7.658, moving up from eighth place in 2023 and 2024.
According to the 2025 report released on March 5, the country recorded 565 terrorism-related deaths in 2024, indicating an increase in fatalities over the previous two years.
“Globally, deaths from terrorism have declined by almost a third since the peak in 2015, with Iraq and Nigeria recording the largest decreases. Deaths in Nigeria peaked at 2,101 in 2014, before dropping to 392 in 2022, the lowest level since 2011. However, fatalities increased by 34 per cent in 2023 to 533, and further to 565 in 2024.”
The report further explained that IS-Sahel has expanded its reach beyond its primary area of operation in the Liptako-Gourma region, which spans the borders of Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, and Nigeria. In 2024, the group launched a series of attacks across several countries, including Nigeria (16 attacks), Niger (12 attacks, Mali (6 attacks), and Burkina Faso (1 attack)
“Terrorism remains a persistent global threat, with 2024 marking another year of shifting patterns and evolving challenges. More countries experienced a deterioration in security, with 45 reporting an increased impact from terrorism, while only 34 saw improvements—the first time in seven years that more nations worsened than improved,” part of the report added.
It said the Sahel region has become the global epicentre of terrorism, accounting for 51 per cent of all terrorism-related deaths in 2024.
“Five of the ten countries most impacted by terrorism are in the Sahel. Although Burkina Faso remains the most affected country, both deaths and attacks declined in 2024—falling by 21 per cent and 57 per cent, respectively. However, the country still accounted for one-fifth of all terrorism deaths globally.”
Meanwhile, Niger Republic recorded the largest increase in terrorism-related deaths globally in 2024.
Nigeria ranked sixth in the 2025 Global Terrorism Index with an increased score, having recorded 565 terrorism-related deaths in 2024, a 34% rise from 2023. Although globally, terrorism-related fatalities have decreased since the peak in 2015, Nigeria saw a temporary decrease until the recent increase.
The report highlights IS-Sahel's expanded activities in multiple countries, including 16 attacks in Nigeria in 2024. Terrorism remains a persistent threat, particularly in the Sahel region, which accounted for 51% of all global terrorism-related deaths that year, with Burkina Faso, despite some improvements, remaining significantly impacted.
Additionally, over 45 countries experienced worsened security situations due to terrorism, with Niger seeing the most considerable increase in deaths in 2024.
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