Amanze Chinonye
Nigeria has been ranked the fourth most terrorism-impacted country in the world in the 2026 Global Terrorism Index (GTI), while Afghanistan dropped to 11th position, marking its first exit from the global top 10 in more than a decade, according to findings by the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP).
The GTI, a globally recognised annual assessment covering 163 countries, measures the impact of terrorism based on factors including attacks, deaths, injuries, and hostage situations.
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Nigeria Climbs Again Amid Rising Insecurity
The latest report places Nigeria among the countries worst affected by terrorism globally, reflecting a renewed rise in attacks and fatalities linked to insurgent and armed groups.
According to the report, Nigeria recorded a significant increase in terrorism-related deaths in 2025, driven largely by activities of Boko Haram factions, Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), and other armed groups operating across northern and central parts of the country.
Historical GTI data show Nigeria consistently remained among the world’s top 10 terrorism-affected nations between 2011 and 2026.
Nigeria ranked eighth in 2011 before rising to fifth position in 2012 and 2013. The country moved to fourth place in 2014 and third in both 2015 and 2016. It reached its highest ranking at second globally in 2017 and 2018 before dropping to third in 2019 and 2020.
By 2021, Nigeria slipped to fifth position, sixth in 2022, and eighth in both 2023 and 2024. However, the latest report shows the country climbing sharply again to fourth place in 2026 after ranking sixth in 2025.
The report also identified the Sahel region as the global epicentre of terrorism, accounting for more than half of terrorism-related deaths worldwide.
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Afghanistan Records Major Improvement
Afghanistan’s drop to 11th place marks a major shift after years as the world’s most terrorism-affected country.
The country ranked third globally between 2011 and 2013 before moving to second place from 2014 to 2016. Afghanistan later ranked first continuously from 2019 to 2023 during the peak of terrorist violence in the country.
However, the latest GTI figures show a steady decline in terrorism impact in recent years, with Afghanistan dropping to sixth in 2024, ninth in 2025, and now 11th in 2026.
Globally, the 2026 GTI recorded a 28 per cent decline in terrorism deaths and a 22 per cent reduction in attacks in 2025 compared to the previous year.
Despite the overall improvement, the report noted that terrorism remains heavily concentrated in a small number of countries, particularly across sub-Saharan Africa, where extremist violence, insurgency, and armed conflict continue to fuel instability.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
