Nigerians are the sixth most terrorised people globally

Nigeria has climbed to the sixth position in the 2025 Global Terrorism Index (GTI), moving up from eighth place in the previous two years.  The report, released on March 5, 2025, assessed the impact of terrorism worldwide, with Burkina Faso ranking as the most affected country, followed by Pakistan, Syria, Mali, and Niger. The data showed that Nigeria recorded 565 terrorism-related deaths in 2024, continuing an upward trend in fatalities.  The number had previously dropped to 392 in 2022, the lowest since 2011, but it surged by 34% in 2023 and increased further in 2024.  While the global trend shows a decline in terrorism-related deaths since 2015, Nigeria’s situation appears to be worsening. One of the key concerns raised in the report was the growing presence of IS-Sahel, a terrorist group that has expanded its reach beyond its usual areas in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger.  In 2024, the group carried out 16 attacks in Nigeria, in addition to several others in neighboring countries. The report also indicated that more countries are now experiencing terrorist attacks, with the number rising from 58 in 2023 to 66 in 2024, the highest level since 2018.  The Sahel region has become the most violent hotspot for terrorism, accounting for over half of the terrorism-related deaths worldwide last year.  The overall number of deaths linked to conflict in the region surpassed 25,000, with nearly 4,000 directly caused by terrorist attacks. Despite Burkina Faso maintaining its position as the most impacted country, the number of attacks and fatalities there declined in 2024.  However, Niger experienced a sharp rise in terrorism-related deaths, nearly doubling to 930 fatalities.  This shift raises concerns that any progress in the fight against terrorism in the region might only be temporary. The findings in the report paint a worrying picture of the security situation in Nigeria and the broader West African region.  With terrorist groups expanding their activities and more countries seeing a rise in attacks, tackling the growing threat remains a pressing challenge.

Government Raises Alarm As Bello Turji’s Attacks Escalate in Sokoto and Zamfara

Many informed analysts across the globe that are well aware of the prowess and gallantry of the Nigerian army at war will marvel at how ragtag militias under the leadership of semi-literate individual like Bello Turji would be creating horrors for villagers within Nigeria. It is shocking therefore, that Bello Turji, a notorious bandit leader, will step up his violent campaign in Sokoto, launching attacks across the Zamfara-Sokoto border and remain elusive.  Former Governor of Sokoto, Attahiru Dalhatu Bafarawa, has called for immediate government intervention, warning that Turji’s actions are wreaking havoc and disrupting local life.  READ ALSO: IPOB Opposes Ruga in South East, Warns Against Cattle Settlements Recent reports reveal that Turji, angered by the detention of his relatives by security forces, had demanded their release by January 1, 2025.  Failing to meet this ultimatum, he and his militia have launched a series of brutal assaults, particularly in Shinkafi Local Government Area, forcing hundreds to flee. Governor Dauda Lawal Dare of Zamfara has firmly stated that his administration is not seeking peace talks with the bandits, instead focusing on strengthening support for military and local security forces to regain control of the state. Previously, on Christmas Day, Turji had threatened to start the new year with a violent rampage, including kidnappings and killings, targeting Shinkafi and its neighboring communities.  Following through on his threats, bandits abducted passengers from Gusau, setting their vehicle ablaze and taking the victims into the wilderness. 

Alleged Banditry: Zamfara rights activist drags AGF, IGP to court

…seeks probe of ex- Gov Matawalle A Zamfara State based human rights activist, Abubakar Dahiru, has filed a suit at the Federal High Court Abuja, seeking the investigation of a former Governor of the State and current Minister of State (Defence), Bello Matawalle, in relation to allegations of kidnappings, Banditry etc. Defendants in the suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/1434/2024, filed on behalf of the plaintiff by Ojonimi Apeh Esq. are, the President, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, and the Inspector General of Police. Specifically, Ojonimi Apeh, in the suit filed and dated September 27, 2024, wants the court to declare that “it is imperative for the 1st Defendant herein to give directions to the 3rd Defendant to investigate the activities of bandits and kidnappers in Zamfara State and in particular the allegations surrounding the Minister of State for Defence, Hon. Bello Matawalle in relation to banditry and kidnapping in Zamfara State with a view to securing and/or restoring public safety in Zamfara State. Ojonimi Apeh also prayed on behalf of his client for “An order of Court mandating the 1st Defendant herein to direct the 3rd Defendant herein to investigate the activities of bandits and kidnappers in Zamfara State, and in particular the allegations surrounding the Minister of State, Defence Hon. Bello Matawalle in relation to banditry and kidnapping in Zamfara State with a view to securing and/or restoring public safety in Zamfara State. “A declaration that by the provisions of Section 215(3) and (4) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended, and other relevant laws, the 1st Defendant herein either by himself or through such other Minister of the government of the Federation as he may authorize can give directions to the 3rd Defendant herein with respect to the maintenance and securing of public safety and public order in any part of the Federation” Apeh submitted. In a 22-paragraph statement of claim, the plaintiff avered that there is presently high wave of armed banditry and kidnapping in Zamfara State just like other parts of North Western Nigeria, adding that the activities of these hoodlums, “which started like a mustard seed in Zamfara State grew to an alarming and unprecedented proportion during the period between 2019 and 2023 when Hon. Bello Matawalle was the Governor of Zamfara State”. “The Plaintiff avers that armed banditry and kidnapping have rendered thousands of the people of Zamfara orphans, widows, widowers, homeless, hungry, etc due to the activities of criminals who maim people, extort their monies, kill their loved ones and subject them to all manner of physical and emotional torture. “The Plaintiff avers that he recently listened to the interview of Governor Dauda Lawal on TVC Television on 18th September 2024, wherein he publicly accused Hon. Bello Matawalle of involvement with kidnappers and bandits in Zamfara State. “The Plaintiff avers that he has also read an online publication by Umoru Faruk Salifu in the 21st Century Chronicles online Newspaper of 22nd September 2024, where he accused Hon. Bello Matawalle of sponsoring bandits, buying vehicles for bandits, sabotaging efforts of law enforcement agents to curb banditry and kidnapping in North Western Nigeria, granting amnesty to terrorists, etc. “The Plaintiff avers that he also read an article by Professor Abdussamad Umar Jibia wherein he chronicled series of allegations of Hon. Bello Matawalle’s involvement with banditry and kidnappings in Zamfara State. Among other claims, “The Plaintiff avers that despite the open allegations as to the involvement of Hon. Bello Matawalle with banditry and kidnapping in Zamfara State, no efforts have been made by government to investigate him with a view to coming out with the truth or falsity of these allegations while the spate of banditry and kidnapping continue to reign in Zamfara State to the detriment of citizens” Ojonimi Apeh’s client stated. Meanwhile, the matter is yet to be assigned to a Judge.