Nigeria’s worsening insecurity has continued to weigh heavily on its global image, as the 2026 Global Terrorism Index (GTI) ranks the country fourth among the world’s most affected nations.
The report, released on Thursday, March 19, 2026, indicates a sharp 46 percent increase in terrorism-related deaths, rising to 750 fatalities.
This comes despite sustained government spending on security operations and counterinsurgency efforts.
The latest ranking has triggered reactions from civil society organisations and opposition figures, who have criticised the government’s approach to tackling insecurity.
They argued that existing strategies have failed to curb the activities of insurgents, kidnappers, and bandit groups across the country.
Analysts noted that persistent attacks have continued to undermine public safety, weaken investor confidence, and affect Nigeria’s international reputation.
They also warned that the country’s economic and diplomatic goals may remain elusive if the security situation does not improve.
The deteriorating security landscape is driven by multiple threats, including intensified insurgency in the North-East, escalating banditry in the North-West, and growing violent incidents in parts of the South-South.
Experts have also pointed to longstanding gaps in intelligence gathering, community-based security frameworks, and inter-agency collaboration, stressing that these areas require urgent attention and effective implementation.
The GTI report underscored the urgent need for comprehensive and coordinated reforms, as Nigeria continues to grapple with the far-reaching consequences of insecurity.
