Nigeria has been ranked as the fifth most violent country in the world, according to the latest Global Conflict Risk Index. The assessment, which analyzes conflict data, places Africa’s largest economy in the category of ‘extreme violence,’ alongside nations grappling with intense conflict such as Palestine, Myanmar, Syria, and Mexico.
Despite government assurances of improving security, the index, covering the period from December 2024 to November 2025, assesses trends in civilian targeting, fatalities, armed group activity, and the geographic spread of violence. The findings suggest that Nigeria’s crises are now affecting nearly all regions at an unprecedented rate.
The report highlights the convergence of multiple threats, including mass kidnappings, banditry in rural areas, jihadist insurgency, separatist violence, and communal clashes. The intertwining of these conflicts is pushing instability to new levels across the country.
In the northeast and the Lake Chad Basin, Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) have intensified attacks on military bases and civilian communities. These attacks include high-profile kidnappings and killings targeting the Nigerian army. While these groups have lost territory in recent years, they remain capable of launching deadly strikes, exacerbating insecurity in the region.
In the Middle Belt, clashes between farmers and herders have garnered international attention. Some legislators have described the violence as a campaign against Christian communities. These ongoing conflicts contribute significantly to Nigeria’s overall ranking as a nation experiencing extreme violence.
DZWatch continues to monitor the situation and will provide further updates as they become available.
