Nigeria, DRC See Sharp Rise in Terror Deaths

Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) recorded substantial increases in terrorism-related fatalities during 2025, according to a recent report. This surge in violence in both African nations occurred despite a global downturn in terrorism deaths for the same period. The findings highlight persistent regional security challenges, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa.

Nigeria experienced a 46% escalation in terrorism deaths, with the total rising from 513 in 2024 to 750 in 2025. This placed Nigeria as the fourth-highest country globally affected by terrorism. The Democratic Republic of Congo also saw a significant increase, with fatalities climbing by nearly 28% from 365 to 467, ranking it eighth worldwide.

Regional Drivers of Violence

In Nigeria, the heightened violence is primarily linked to the activities of extremist organizations such as Boko Haram and its splinter factions. Additionally, the report attributes some of the increase to ethnic militias and various criminal groups operating within the country. A specific incident in February involved the killing of 162 individuals in Kwara state, underscoring the severity of the situation.

Conversely, the rise in terrorism deaths in the DRC is largely driven by the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), a group with reported affiliations to the Islamic State. The ADF has been active in eastern Congo for decades, but its tactics and reach have evolved, contributing to increased instability and civilian casualties.

Global Trends and Western Impact

Globally, terrorism-related deaths saw a 28% reduction, totaling 5,582 fatalities in 2025, while the number of attacks decreased by nearly 22%. This overall decline contrasts sharply with the situation in Nigeria and the DRC. The Sahel region, however, remained a hotspot, accounting for over half of all worldwide terrorism deaths during the year, indicating a geographic concentration of extremist activity.

Western countries experienced a notable increase in terrorism fatalities, with a 280% rise to 57 deaths in 2025. The United States alone accounted for 28 of these fatalities. The Institute for Economics & Peace (IEP), which produced the Global Terrorism Index report, suggests that youth radicalization and the actions of lone-wolf actors are increasingly contributing to these attacks in Western nations.

Implications for Security and Policy

The divergent trends—a global decrease in terrorism deaths alongside significant increases in specific African nations and Western countries—underscore the complex and evolving nature of global security threats. The data points to the need for targeted counter-terrorism strategies that address both localized extremist group activities and broader issues like radicalization and socio-economic factors that can fuel violence.

International cooperation remains crucial for addressing these multifaceted challenges.

Implications

Country Impact: Nigeria and the DRC face intensified internal security challenges, potentially diverting resources from development and exacerbating humanitarian crises. The persistent violence could undermine governance and stability in affected regions.

Industry Impact: Industries operating in Nigeria and the DRC, particularly extractive sectors and infrastructure projects, may face increased operational risks, security costs, and potential disruptions. Investor confidence could be negatively impacted, hindering foreign direct investment.

Market Impact: Increased instability in key African economies could lead to localized market volatility, affecting currency values and bond yields. Global markets might react to disruptions in commodity supply chains originating from these regions, particularly for resources like oil and minerals.