Nigeria has been ranked the fourth most terrorism-affected country in the world in the Global Terrorism Index (GTI) 2026, a development that has sparked fresh political debate over the country’s security situation. The African Democratic Congress (ADC) says the ranking shows that the current administration under President Bola Tinubu is not doing enough to protect citizens.
In a statement released by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party said the new ranking reflects the daily reality faced by many Nigerians. According to him, the figures are not just numbers but represent real lives lost, families displaced, and communities living in fear.
The GTI is an annual report that measures the impact of terrorism across countries using data on attacks, deaths, injuries, and hostage situations. Nigeria has appeared regularly on the list over the past decade, mainly due to the long-running insurgency in the North-East. However, the latest ranking suggests that the situation may be getting worse rather than improving.
The ADC pointed to a recent deadly attack in Borno State, where dozens of people were reportedly killed and many others injured. The party said such incidents are becoming more frequent and show that terrorist groups still have strong influence in parts of the country.
According to the data cited in the report, terrorist attacks in Nigeria rose from 120 incidents in 2024 to 171 in 2025. This increase highlights a growing security challenge despite ongoing military operations. Borno State remains the most affected area, accounting for about 67 per cent of all attacks and 72 per cent of deaths.
One of the most worrying trends is the rising number of civilian casualties. The report shows that civilians now make up 67 per cent of those killed in terrorist attacks. This suggests that ordinary people, rather than security forces, are increasingly becoming the main targets.
The ADC also criticized the leadership of the country, claiming that key officials were not present in Nigeria at a time when the nation was facing serious security threats. The party described this as a sign of weak leadership and lack of urgency in addressing the crisis.
However, government officials have in the past defended their efforts, pointing to ongoing military operations and investments in security equipment. They argue that fighting terrorism is complex and requires time, coordination, and resources.
Nigeria’s security challenges are not new. The country has been battling insurgency since around 2009, when Boko Haram began its campaign in the North-East. Over the years, the conflict has led to thousands of deaths and displaced millions of people. Although there have been periods of reduced violence, attacks have continued, often in waves.
In recent years, the situation has become more complicated with the presence of multiple armed groups. These include the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), a breakaway faction of Boko Haram that has grown in strength and sophistication. The ADC also mentioned a newer group known as Lakurawa, which it says shows that the threat is spreading and evolving.
Beyond the North-East, other parts of Nigeria are also facing security issues. Banditry, kidnapping, and communal clashes have affected states in the North-West and North-Central regions. In the South-East, there have been incidents linked to separatist tensions. This wide range of threats has stretched security agencies and raised concerns about overall national safety.
Many Nigerians have continued to call for stronger action from the government. Civil society groups and security analysts often suggest better intelligence gathering, improved welfare for security personnel, and closer cooperation with local communities.
There are also calls for addressing the root causes of insecurity, such as poverty, unemployment, and lack of education. Experts believe that without tackling these issues, it will be difficult to achieve lasting peace.
The ADC said the latest GTI ranking should serve as a wake-up call for the government. The party urged authorities to review current strategies and take more decisive steps to protect lives and property.
For many citizens, the focus remains on safety in their daily lives. In affected areas, farmers are afraid to go to their fields, traders worry about travelling on highways, and families live with the constant fear of attacks.
As Nigeria continues to face these challenges, the debate over how best to secure the country is likely to remain a major issue in national politics. The GTI 2026 ranking has once again brought the matter into sharp focus, raising important questions about leadership, strategy, and the future of security in the country.