Presidency mum as Nigeria’s terrorism ranking sparks fear, anger

Nigeria’s ranking as the fourth most terrorized country in the world has sparked widespread outrage and concern.

DAILY POST reports that the Global Terrorism Index, GTI 2026 report revealed that terrorist incidents in Nigeria rose by 43% in 2025, with 171 attacks recorded, resulting in 750 deaths.

The recent ranking marks a significant increase from 2024, when Nigeria ranked sixth globally.

The report attributes the surge in terrorism to groups like Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province, ISWAP, which accounted for 80% of terrorism-related deaths across the country in 2025.

Borno and other states in the North East remain the epicenter of extremist violence in Nigeria, with 67% of attacks and 72% of deaths.

The report has triggered palpable tension in many parts of the country as the daredevil terrorists continue operation particularly in the North.

DAILY POST reports that barely three months into 2026, the country has reportedly recorded about 136 attacks by terrorists, bandits, suspected Fulani herdsmen and other non state actors with over 300 deaths.

The North-West geo-political zone is said to be the hardest hit, with 217 fatalities, followed by the North-Central with over 100 deaths.

Anger, fear trail ranking

While a cross section of Nigerians blamed the All Progressives Congress, APC-led government for the deteriorating security situation, others are afraid of the uncertainty surrounding the future of the nation.

Some opposition bigwigs, who reacted to the report, tackled the President Bola Tinubu-led administration over its inability to end the decade-long security challenges.

According to the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Mr Peter Obi, the new ranking “is a painful indictment of failed leadership“.

Obi lamented that while other countries in the world are making progress in ending or reducing terrorism, Nigeria is experiencing the opposite trend.

“While many countries are seeing a decline in terrorism, Nigeria is moving in the opposite direction.

“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”, he said.

Similarly, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, accused Tinubu’s government of neglecting the plight of a Nigerians, stating that the report is painful.

“While this report is not surprising to Nigerians, it is most painful that people who promised and were elected and appointed to secure our country are wining, dining, and dancing in a faraway land, whilst terrorists are killing and kidnapping citizens rampantly.

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

Also speaking with DAILY POST on Sunday, a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, in Kaduna State, Dr Lucius Hibila expressed fear that terrorism may not end in Nigeria soon.

He said, “This issue is becoming terrifying. The more you think terrorism is about to end, the more you hear negative news. What the report means is that even the US intervention has not yielded any results.

“And as we speak, the terrorists are still operating across the northern parts of the country, killing innocent people everyday for just no reason.

“Every government that comes on board will promise to end this crisis but it will only increase at the end of the tenure. Are there some countries trying to wipe us away from the surface of the earth?

“Why can’t we end this security crisis after so many years? I think we should start looking outside the country. Are they importing the fighters?

“Our troops have been killing them, yet they increase in number everyday. These can’t be Nigerians. Let’s even look at it critically. A few days ago, about 80 terrorists were killed in Borno State.

“Have you heard any family members crying that their son is missing? Don’t they have parents, where are they from? We need to get to the root of this thing. What we are doing is like a patient treating symptoms.

“If you don’t treat the cause of the symptoms, they will still come back after a while. We should get to the root of the matter. Are we in a war against ourselves or are some people against us? This will make it very easy for us as a nation”.

Presidency keeps mum

Days after the report was published, the presidency is yet to either accept or push back the ranking.

The Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare could not answer his calls when contacted by our correspondent on Sunday.

However, President Tinubu, on Sunday in Lagos, said his administration will intensify efforts to tackle the challenges of insecurity across various parts of the country, assuring that the safety and well-being of citizens featured at the meetings held in the United Kingdom.

President Tinubu, who hosted the Vice President Kashim Shettima and 23 governors at his Lagos home for the Eid-el-Fitr, said that he had followed up on support for modern security interventions with French President Emmanuel Macron.

“Your presence here today and the number show your sincerity, commitment and value for friendship and togetherness.

“The next phase of our struggle is staring us in the face, and that is the challenge of insecurity in the country.

“I am making all the efforts to ensure that we collectively share the joy of our victory over tyranny. Insecurity is an enemy of development, progress, and prosperity. I am glad you are all mindful of the challenge.

“For me, I have committed to strengthening further the contacts and networks that are necessary. One of the major discussions in the United Kingdom was on equipment and support.

“I can report to you that yesterday, again, I had a lengthy discussion with French President Emmanuel Macron.

“They are collaborating with us for equipment and support. I am also making frantic efforts to contact other nations,” he stated.

Presidency mum as Nigeria’s terrorism ranking sparks fear, anger