Nigeria recorded the highest increase in terrorism-related deaths globally in 2025

Nigeria was recorded as the country recording the largest increase in terrorism-related deaths, with the death toll increasing by 237 by 2025.

This country is also on the list of locations in the world where the deadliest terror attacks occurred worldwide in 2025.
The 2026 Global Terrorism Index included two terror incidents that occurred in Borno State on the list, placing them at 10th and 12th positions.

Although Burkina Faso recorded the largest decline in the number of terrorism-related deaths, Nigeria recorded the largest increase in 2025.

The Democratic Republic of Congo has also seen a sharp increase in the number of deaths, largely driven by attacks by the ISIS-affiliated Allied Democratic Forces.

The report ranked the attack on Dajamal village in Bama Local Government Area of ​​Borno State as the 10th deadliest terrorist incident globally.

According to the report, about 30 attackers were reportedly killed by the Nigerian Army following the incident.

“Gunmen attacked Darajamal village, Bama Local Government Area, Borno State, on September 5, killing 58 villagers and five soldiers. Thirty gunmen were reportedly killed by the Nigerian Army following the attack. No organization claimed responsibility for the attack at the time of writing, although local media sources attributed the attack to ISIS in West Africa Province,” it said.

Other attacks in the country ranked 12th globally. The incident occurred on May 15, 2025, when Boko Haram terrorists attacked the neighboring villages of Mallam Karamti and Kwatandashi in Kukawa Local Government Area also in Borno State.

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“Jihadists attacked the neighboring villages of Mallam Karamti and Kwatandashi in Kukawa Local Government Area, Borno State, on May 15. According to local press reports, about 100 civilians were arrested and taken to the forest, 57 bodies were later recovered and 70 people are still missing. Media reports attributed the attack to the JAS faction of Boko Haram,” the report said.

The report also highlights that the world’s deadliest terrorist attack occurred in Burkina Faso on October 9, 2025, when attackers attacked military positions between Djibo in Soum Province and Namsiguia in Bam Province.

More than 120 soldiers were killed, while 30 others were reported missing.

Jamaat Nusrat al-Islam wal Muslimeen claimed responsibility for the incident.

The second deadliest incident also occurred in Burkina Faso between April 1 and 3, when coordinated attacks were carried out on several villages in Sourou Province, Boucle du Mouhoun region.

At least 100 people, including civilians and NKRI Defense Volunteer personnel, were killed, while several others were kidnapped.

The attackers also destroyed infrastructure, and Jamaat Nusrat al-Islam wal Muslimeen was allegedly responsible.

Another attack in Burkina Faso ranked third globally after attackers launched coordinated attacks on several locations, including a military camp in Djibo, Soum Province, on May 11, 2025.

No less than 100 people were killed by members of Jamaat Nusrat al-Islam wal Muslimeen who claimed responsibility for the attack.

The fourth deadliest incident occurred in Niger Republic on June 20, when gunmen attacked villagers near a mosque in Manda, Tera Department, Tillaberi region, killing at least 71 people and wounding 20 others.

The attackers also set fire to several houses. Local media attributed the attack to ISIS – Sahel Province.

The index further reveals that deaths from terrorism in 2025 are highly concentrated in five countries—Burkina Faso, Pakistan, Nigeria, Niger, and the Democratic Republic of Congo—which together account for 70 percent of global deaths.