According to the 2026 Global Terrorism Index, “in 2025, Nigeria rose two places to fourth position, reflecting the significant increase of terrorist activity in the country.” 

 “Terror attacks in Nigeria increased by 43 per cent this year, from 120 incidents in 2024 to 171 in 2025.”

“Deaths from terrorism have continued to rise, increasing by 46 per cent to 750 in 2025. This marks the highest death toll since 2020,” it read. 

Much of the violence continues to be driven by familiar groups, such as Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and Boko Haram, who account for 80 per cent of all terrorism deaths in the country.

Their influence remains deeply entrenched, particularly in the northeast.

The report also stated that Borno State, in particular, continues to carry the heaviest burden.

“Terrorist activity this year was heavily concentrated in the northeastern state of Borno, which experienced 67 per cent of attacks and 72 per cent of deaths in 2025,” it read.

When compared to its neighbours across sub-Saharan Africa, where “Five countries in the Sahel recorded falls in both the number of deaths and incidents from the previous year.”

Nigeria, however, saw no progress, ranking as  “the only country in the region to experience an increase in both categories.”

This rise has not happened overnight. The report highlights that “Nigeria has experienced a steady rise in terrorism-related deaths since 2022, recording 237 more fatalities in 2025 than in 2024.”

Behind that trend is a mix of factors, including “a surge in both ideological and criminal violence in the country.” 

 “Nigeria saw a dramatic increase in IS activity, with IS attacks jumping from 20 in 2024 to 92 in 2025,” the report notes. 

Globally, terrorism is still concentrated in a handful of countries. “Burkina Faso, Pakistan, Nigeria, Niger, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)… accounted for 70 per cent of global fatalities,” the report says. 

Burkina Faso, for instance, recorded a significant turnaround, with “fatalities falling by 686, or 45 per cent.”

Niger also saw deaths drop sharply. In contrast, Nigeria “recorded the largest increase in deaths, which were 237 higher in 2025.”

Despite years of effort, Nigeria remains a constant presence on the list of the world’s most affected countries. Alongside Pakistan and Somalia, it “has consistently ranked among the ten most affected countries… highlighting the persistent challenges… in addressing terrorism.”

Source Channels television

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President Tinubu, who hosted the Vice President Kashim Shettima and 23 governors at his Lagos home for the Eid el-Fitr, said that he had followed up on support for modern security interventions with French President Emmanuel Macron.

“Your presence here today and the number show your sincerity, commitment and value for friendship and togetherness. 

“The next phase of our struggle is staring us in the face, and that is the challenge of insecurity in the country. 

“I am making all the efforts to ensure that we collectively share the joy of our victory over tyranny. Insecurity is an enemy of development, progress, and prosperity. I am glad you are all mindful of the challenge. 

“For me, I have committed to strengthening further the contacts and networks that are necessary. One of the major discussions in the United Kingdom was on equipment and support.

“I can report to you that yesterday, again, I had a lengthy discussion with French President Emmanuel Macron. They are collaborating with us for equipment and support. I am also making frantic efforts to contact other nations,’’ he stated. 

President Tinubu and First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, returned on Friday from a three-day State Visit to the United Kingdom, where King Charles III and Queen Camila hosted them. 

The President also held a meeting with the British Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, before his return to Nigeria for the Eid-el-fitr.

“We should care more for the vulnerable. I know this Middle East crisis will spike inflation and affect our purchasing power. The labour union and others will be gearing to ask us to support more due to the effect of the Middle East war and crisis,’’ the President added. 

The President urged the state governors to remain steadfast and resilient in translating their ideas and visions into policies and programmes that directly impact citizens’ livelihoods, and to support the government in tackling the “tyranny” of criminals. 

President Tinubu advised the governors to provide further incentives to cushion the inflationary impact of the war in the Middle East on energy and transportation prices. 

He thanked Vice President, Sen. Kashim Shettima, for the condolence visit to Borno State, assuring the people of the state of stronger protection through new technology. 

In his remarks, the Chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum, and Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, thanked the President for his intervention in the states with the visionary Renewed Hope Agenda.

“On behalf of my colleagues, the governors, we bring your excellency, season greetings from the people of our various states. We thank the Almighty God for His mercies that saw us through the month of Ramadan.

“We pray that the Almighty God will see us through the period of Lent, and grant us sustainable peace,’’ he said. 

The Chairman of NGF congratulated the President on the successful State Visit to the United Kingdom and the investment agreements reached.

 “While our mission has been to have a good relationship with the United Kingdom, the State Visit, first in 37 years, is bold and significant. It speaks to new levels of relationship with Nigeria, and we thank you for it.

“Together, we must see that the issue of insecurity comes to an end. Regarding state police, discussions are ongoing with various security agencies led by the National Security Adviser, and the NGF has made its contributions. The NGF will take the document to the National Assembly to see how we can have a legislative framework for the state police,’’ the governor noted. 

Governors at the meeting were: Sen. Hope Uzodinma, Imo State; Alex Otti, Abia State; Umo Eno, Akwa Ibom State; Douye Diri, Bayelsa State; Hyacinth Alia, Benue State; Bassey Otu, Cross River State; Sheriff Oborevwori, Delta State; Francis Nwifuru, Ebonyi State; Monday Okpebholo, Edo State; Peter Mbah, Enugu State; Mohammed Inuwa Yahaya, Gombe State; and Umar Namadi, Jigawa State.

 Others: Abba Kabir Yusuf, Kano State; Dikko Umaru Radda, Katsina State; Ahmed Usman Ododo, Kogi State; Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Lagos State; Abdullahi Sule, Nasarawa State; Caleb Mufwang, Plateau State; Siminalayi Fubara, Rivers State; Agbu Keffas, Taraba State; Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State and Lucky Aiyedatiwa, Ondo State. 

The deputy Governor of Borno State, Umar Usman Kadafur, was also at the meeting. 

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Speaking at an interfaith breakfast with senators at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, the President said decentralised policing would strengthen grassroots security, enhance intelligence gathering, and enable states to respond more swiftly and effectively to terrorism, banditry and other emerging threats.

He noted that a decentralised policing structure would complement existing federal security architecture and promote intelligence-led, community-focused law enforcement.

“We are facing terrorism, banditry, and insurgency. But we will never fail to make a right response to this cause. What I will ask for tonight is for you (Senators) to start thinking how best to amend the constitution to incorporate the State Police for us to secure our country, take over our forests from marauders, and free our children from fear,” he said.

The President commended the cordial relationship between the executive and the Senate, saying that unity is needed to defeat terrorism and banditry in the country.

“It is a good thing that we are working in harmony, we are looking forward to a country that evolves, a country that takes care of its citizens and protects all.

President Tinubu thanked the Senate for its unflinching support towards achieving various economic reforms of his administration, especially the fuel subsidy removal and tax reform policy. 

“I have a lot of credit for bold reforms. Without your collaboration and inspiration, those reforms would not be possible. We are reformists together. What we gave up and what we stopped is monumental corruption in the subsidy system. We don’t want to participate in monumental corruption and arbitrage foreign exchange.

“You don’t have to chase me for dollars; you could see what Nigeria is today. You should be proud, and I am glad you are. What we are enjoying is a stable economy, and prosperity is beckoning us. We need to work hard, and this attendance means a lot to me,” the President said.

President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, commended the President for hosting the leadership of the Senate to the Interfaith breaking of fast.

He commended President Tinubu for providing the visionary leadership the nation needs at this critical time, stating that the administration’s bold reforms have now brought more revenue to governors at the sub-national level for the development of critical infrastructure.

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In its statement, the government denied any state policy of religious persecution, emphasizing that ongoing violence in parts of Nigeria—including terrorism, banditry, and communal conflicts—is driven by complex security threats, not government bias. Nigeria reiterated its constitutional guarantee of freedom of religion and worship for all citizens, while highlighting intensified military and law enforcement operations, community-based peacebuilding initiatives, and humanitarian efforts to protect affected communities.

The Federal Government reaffirmed its commitment to constructive dialogue and cooperation with international partners, particularly the United States, while maintaining its primary focus on safeguarding the lives and property of all Nigerians.

The statement further readd@It is important to state clearly that Nigeria does not have, and has never had, a state policy of religious persecution. The violence being confronted by our security agencies is not driven by government policy or religious bias, but by complex security threats, including terrorism, organised criminality, and longstanding communal tensions.

“The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria guarantees freedom of religion and freedom of worship for all citizens. The Federal Government remains firmly committed to upholding these constitutional protections and to ensuring equal protection under the law.

“In response to evolving security threats, the Federal Government has significantly strengthened coordinated military and law enforcement operations across affected regions. Ongoing counter-terrorism offensives have degraded the capacity of armed groups, disrupted kidnapping networks, and led to the arrest and neutralisation of key criminal elements. Intelligence sharing and inter-agency collaboration have been enhanced to improve early warning and rapid response mechanisms, particularly in vulnerable rural communities.

“In addition, the government has intensified surveillance and clearance operations in forested areas long exploited by criminal groups. The establishment and deployment of specially trained forest guards toaim at deny terrorists and bandits safe havens, improve territorial control, and strengthen community-level security presence. These efforts are complemented by increased investment in equipment, mobility assets, and technology to support the Armed Forces and other security agencies.

“Efforts are also ongoing to improve humanitarian response for internally displaced persons, facilitate the safe return of affected communities, and promote community-based peacebuilding initiatives that foster sustainable coexistence.

“Nigeria values its longstanding and strategic partnership with the United States. Our two countries share common interests in promoting security, economic development, and regional stability. We remain open to constructive dialogue and cooperation rooted in mutual respect, shared responsibility, and recognition of Nigeria’s constitutional framework and sovereignty.

“The Federal Government will continue to engage international partners through appropriate diplomatic channels while remaining focused on its primary duty, the protection of all Nigerians.

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