Terror Deaths Spike in Nigeria and DRC Amid Global Decline

Jihadist violence surged in Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of Congo last year, even as global fatalities from terrorism fell to their lowest level in a decade, according to a new report. Nigeria recorded the largest increase in terrorism-related deaths worldwide in 2025, with fatalities rising by 46% from 513 in 2024 to 750. This placed the West African nation fourth in the Global Terrorism Index, behind Pakistan, Burkina Faso, and Niger. Meanwhile, the DRC saw a 34% jump in terrorism deaths, driven by escalating attacks from Islamist militant groups in the east. The report notes that while overall global terrorism deaths dropped by 14% to 5, 787, the concentrated violence in sub-Saharan Africa—particularly in Nigeria and the DRC—underscores a troubling regional divergence. Analysts warn that without sustained military and economic interventions, the security gains seen elsewhere may not extend to Africa’s most volatile regions. The uptick in violence also raises questions about the resilience of fragile states amid ongoing economic and humanitarian crises. As the global community focuses on stabilizing hotspots from Ukraine to the Middle East, the sharp rise in terror deaths in Nigeria and the DRC serves as a stark reminder that asymmetric threats continue to evolve, even as conventional warfare dominates headlines. The intersection of jihadist insurgencies and weak governance remains a potent driver of instability, echoing patterns seen in other conflict zones where nuclear-armed states—such as Pakistan—grapple with internal security challenges.

Reported by: Vance Sterling

Crisis & Global Conflict Director