Full Breakdown
Surge in Jihadist Violence in Nigeria and DRC Amid Global Decline
3/20/2026, 7:46:45 PM
Escalating Terrorism in Nigeria
According to the Global Terrorism Index (GTI) 2026, Nigeria has been ranked as the fourth most terrorized country globally, experiencing a significant rise in terrorism-related deaths. In 2025, fatalities surged by 46%, from 513 in 2024 to 750, marking the highest death toll since 2020. The report, published by the Institute for Economics & Peace, indicates that Nigeria's ranking has worsened from sixth place in 2024, driven primarily by the activities of extremist groups such as Boko Haram and its offshoot, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). These two groups accounted for approximately 80% of all terrorism-related deaths in the country.
In 2025, Nigeria recorded 171 terrorist incidents, a 43% increase from the previous year. The northeastern state of Borno remains the epicenter of violence, with 67% of attacks and 72% of deaths occurring there. Notably, ISWAP intensified its operations, conducting 92 attacks resulting in 384 deaths, while Boko Haram executed 43 attacks with 213 fatalities. Newer groups, such as the Lakurawa faction, have also emerged, contributing to the deteriorating security landscape.
Rising Threats in the Democratic Republic of Congo
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) also witnessed a troubling increase in terrorism-related deaths, rising nearly 28% from 365 to 467 in 2025. This surge has pushed the DRC to eighth place on the GTI, primarily driven by the activities of the IS-affiliated Allied Democratic Forces (ADF). The rise in violence in both Nigeria and the DRC contrasts sharply with a global decline in terrorism deaths, which fell by 28% to 5,582 in 2025.
Official Statements & Responses
In response to the escalating violence, Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu condemned the recent bombings in Maiduguri, labeling them as "desperate acts of the evil-minded terrorist groups." He emphasized the commitment of the military and civilian task forces to combat terrorism. Conversely, opposition parties, including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC), criticized the government's handling of security, describing it as a failure to protect citizens. They called for a comprehensive approach to address the underlying issues fueling extremism.
Criticism & Opposition
Critics argue that the government's response has been inadequate, with PDP National Publicity Secretary Ini Ememobong stating that the current administration has failed to secure the country. ADC officials echoed these sentiments, proposing a three-part strategy to enhance national security, including improved intelligence coordination and community policing.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While the GTI indicates a significant increase in terrorism-related deaths in Nigeria, there are discrepancies in the reported number of casualties from specific attacks. For instance, the death toll from the recent bombings in Maiduguri was initially reported as 23 but later revised to 25 by Vice President Kashim Shettima. Additionally, the emergence of new terrorist factions complicates the security landscape, with ongoing conflicts between established groups like Boko Haram and ISWAP.
What's Next
The continued rise in jihadist violence in Nigeria and the DRC underscores the urgent need for enhanced counterterrorism initiatives and strategies to stabilize the region. As the situation evolves, both countries face the challenge of addressing the root causes of extremism while managing the immediate threats posed by these violent groups.
