Nigeria’s Terrorism Ranking Sparks Fear and Anger, Presidency Remains Silent

Many people are outraged and concerned about Nigeria’s rating as the fourth most terrorized nation in the world.

According to the Global Terrorism Index, GTI 2026 study, terrorist occurrences in Nigeria increased by 43% in 2025, with 171 attacks that claimed 750 lives.

Compared to 2024, when Nigeria was rated sixth in the world, the current rating is a notable improvement.

According to the analysis, terrorist organizations like Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province, or ISWAP, were responsible for 80% of all terrorist-related deaths in the nation in 2025.

With 67% of attacks and 72% of fatalities, Borno and other northeastern states continue to be the focal point of extremist violence in Nigeria.

As the fearless terrorists continue to operate, especially in the North, the report has caused tangible stress in many regions of the nation.

Just three months into 2026, there have reportedly been over 300 fatalities from over 136 attacks by terrorists, bandits, suspected Fulani herders, and other non-state actors.

With 217 fatalities, the North-West geopolitical zone is reportedly the most severely affected, followed by the North-Central with more than 100 dead.

Ranking of anger and terror trails

Some Nigerians are terrified of the uncertainties surrounding the country’s future, while others blame the administration led by the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the worsening security situation.

In response to the study, a few prominent opposition figures criticized President Bola Tinubu’s administration for failing to resolve the security issues that have persisted for ten years.

Mr. Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential contender, claims that the latest ranking “is a painful indictment of failed leadership.”

Obi bemoaned the fact that Nigeria is seeing the reverse trend while other nations around the world are making headway in reducing or eliminating terrorism.

“Terrorism is declining in many countries, but it is increasing in Nigeria.”

He stated, “This trend is a direct result of misplaced priorities, weak governance, corruption, a lack of rule of law, and the persistent neglect of security, which is the government’s most fundamental duty.”

In a same vein, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) claimed that the report was unpleasant and accused Tinubu’s administration of ignoring the suffering of Nigerians.

Although Nigerians are not shocked by this story, it is extremely distressing that individuals who were elected, appointed, and swore to protect our nation are enjoying themselves in a distant country while terrorists are killing and abducting residents on a regular basis.

According to a statement released by the party’s Publicity Secretary, Comrade Ini Ememobong, “under President Tinubu’s watch, insecurity has not just become very lucrative, it has attained a trillion-naira economy status.”

Speaking on Sunday, Dr. Lucius Hibila, a leader of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Kaduna State, voiced concern that terrorism in Nigeria could not cease anytime soon.

“This issue is becoming terrifying,” he declared. You hear more bad news the more you believe that terrorism is going to end. According to the study, not even the US intervention has produced any outcomes.

“And as we speak, terrorists continue to operate throughout the country’s northern regions, killing innocent people every day for no apparent reason.”

“Every new government will pledge to put an end to this situation, but by the end of their term, it will only get worse. Are some nations attempting to eradicate humanity from the planet?

“After all these years, why can’t we put an end to this security crisis? We ought to start looking abroad, in my opinion. Are the warriors being imported?

Even though our forces have been eliminating them, their numbers are growing every day. These are not Nigerians. Let’s even take a critical look at it. About eighty terrorists were slain in Borno State a few days ago.

Have you heard any relatives lamenting the absence of their son? Where are they from, and do they not have parents? We must address the underlying cause of this issue. We are treating symptoms in the same way as a patient.

“The symptoms will eventually return if the underlying cause is not addressed. We ought to address the core of the issue. Do certain individuals oppose us, or are we at war with ourselves? As a country, this will make things really simple.

The presidency remains silent.

The presidency has yet to accept or reverse the ranking, even after the study was released a few days ago.

When our journalist called Sunday Dare, President Bola Tinubu’s Special Advisor on Media and Public Communications, he was unable to respond.

President Tinubu, however, stated on Sunday in Lagos that his government will step up efforts to address the issues of insecurity in different regions of the nation, guaranteeing that the security and welfare of the populace will be a priority at the meetings in the United Kingdom.

President Tinubu said he has followed up with French President Emmanuel Macron over help for contemporary security initiatives while hosting Vice President Kashim Shettima and 23 governors at his Lagos residence for Eid-el-Fitr.

“The number and your presence here today demonstrate your sincerity, dedication, and appreciation of friendship and unity.

“The problem of insecurity in the nation is the next stage of our struggle, and it is right in front of us.

“I’m doing all in my power to make sure that we all celebrate our triumph over oppression. Development, advancement, and wealth are all hampered by insecurity. I’m happy that everyone is aware of the difficulty.

For my part, I’ve made a commitment to fortifying the networks and contacts that are required. In the UK, equipment and support were a prominent topic of consideration.

“I can tell you that I spoke with French President Emmanuel Macron for a long time yesterday.

They are working with us to provide equipment and assistance. “I’m also working very hard to get in touch with other countries,” he said.