“Nigeria’s Troubling Terrorism Ranking: Silence from the Presidency Fuels Public Outrage”
Nigeria’s position as the fourth most terrorized nation globally has ignited extensive indignation and concern.
NAIJATAB reports that the Global Terrorism Index, GTI 2026 document showed that acts of terrorism in Nigeria surged by 43% in 2025, with 171 incidents recorded, leading to 750 fatalities.
This latest ranking signifies a considerable rise from 2024, when Nigeria stood sixth on a global scale.
The report links the escalation in terrorism to factions such as Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province, ISWAP, which contributed to 80% of terrorism-related fatalities nationwide in 2025.
Borno and other regions in the North East continue to be the hub of extremist violence in Nigeria, accounting for 67% of attacks and 72% of fatalities.
The findings have incited palpable anxiety across many regions of the country as the audacious terrorists persist in their operations, particularly in the North.
NAIJATAB indicates that less than three months into 2026, there have been approximately 136 attacks attributed to terrorists, bandits, suspected Fulani herdsmen, and other non-state actors, causing over 300 deaths.
The North-West geo-political zone is reportedly the most affected, with 217 casualties, followed by the North-Central with over 100 deaths.
Frustration, trepidation follow ranking
While some Nigerians hold the All Progressives Congress, APC-led administration responsible for the declining security conditions, others express concerns regarding the unpredictability of the nation’s future.
Prominent opposition figures, reacting to the report, criticized President Bola Tinubu’s administration for its failure to resolve a decade-long security crisis.
According to Mr. Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, the new ranking “is a painful condemnation of failed leadership“.
Obi expressed dismay that while various countries worldwide are making strides in mitigating or eradicating terrorism, Nigeria is witnessing an opposing trend.
“While numerous countries are experiencing a decrease in terrorism, Nigeria is heading in the contrary direction.
“This pattern is a direct outcome of misguided priorities, ineffective governance, corruption, insufficient rule of law, and the ongoing neglect of security—fundamental duties of the government,” he remarked.
Similarly, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, accused Tinubu’s administration of disregarding the challenges faced by Nigerians, labeling the report as distressing.
“Although this report does not come as a shock to Nigerians, it is particularly painful that those who pledged to secure our nation are feasting, celebrating, and relaxing in distant lands while terrorists relentlessly kill and abduct citizens.
“Under President Tinubu’s leadership, insecurity has not merely been lucrative; it has reached a trillion-naira economy level,” the party declared in a statement by its Publicity Secretary, Comrade Ini Ememobong.
Additionally, speaking with NAIJATAB on Sunday, a leader of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, in Kaduna State, Dr. Lucius Hibila expressed concerns that terrorism may not conclude in Nigeria anytime soon.
He stated, “This situation is becoming alarming. The more we think terrorism is about to be resolved, the more we hear distressing news. What this report implies is that even the US intervention has yielded no success.
“As we speak, terrorists continue to operate throughout the northern regions of the country, killing innocent people daily without justification.
“Every new administration promises to resolve this crisis, yet it exacerbates by the end of their term. Are there nations attempting to erase us from the surface of the earth?
“Why can’t we conclude this security crisis after so many years? Perhaps we should begin to look beyond our borders. Are they importing the fighters?
“Our armed forces have been neutralizing them, yet their numbers increase daily. These cannot be Nigerians. Let’s analyze this critically. A few days ago, about 80 terrorists were neutralized in Borno State.
“Have you seen any families mourning the loss of their sons? Don’t they have families, where do they come from? We must delve deeper into this issue. What we are doing resembles treating symptoms rather than underlying causes.
“If you do not address the root of the problem, symptoms will reappear eventually. We should investigate the core of this matter. Are we engaged in a war against ourselves or is there opposition against us? This clarity would simplify matters for us as a nation.”
Presidency remains silent
Days following the report’s release, the presidency has yet to accept or refute the ranking.
The Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare, did not respond to calls when reached by our correspondent on Sunday.
Nonetheless, President Tinubu stated on Sunday in Lagos that his administration will bolster efforts to confront the challenges of insecurity across various sectors of the nation, assuring that the safety and welfare of citizens were prominent topics during meetings held in the United Kingdom.
President Tinubu, who welcomed Vice President Kashim Shettima and 23 governors at his Lagos residence for the Eid-el-Fitr celebration, noted that he had been following up on support for contemporary security measures with French President Emmanuel Macron.
“Your presence here today and the sheer number present attest to your earnestness, dedication, and value for friendship and unity.
“The next phase of our struggle is evident: the challenge of insecurity in the country.
“I am committed to ensuring that we jointly experience the triumph over tyranny. Insecurity obstructs development, progress, and prosperity. I appreciate your awareness of this challenge.
“To me, I have pledged to enhance the connections and networks that are essential. One major topic of discussion in the United Kingdom was equipment and support.
“I can inform you that just yesterday, I had an extensive conversation with French President Emmanuel Macron.
“They are partnering with us for equipment and support. I am also making significant efforts to engage with other nations,” he articulated.
