ADC Criticises Tinubu as Nigeria Rises on Global Terrorism Index

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has sharply criticised President Bola Tinubu’s administration following Nigeria’s rise on the 2026 Global Terrorism Index, linking worsening insecurity and rising civilian deaths to what it described as a broader breakdown in governance. The ADC cited new data showing increased terror attacks and fatalities as evidence that the country’s current security strategy is failing to protect citizens.

In a statement issued on Thursday by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC argued that the latest figures reflect not just security lapses but systemic governance challenges. The ADC maintained that the situation demands urgent and coordinated leadership, warning that communities across Nigeria are increasingly exposed to violence.

Rising Insecurity and Alarming Statistics

According to the 2026 Global Terrorism Index, Nigeria now ranks fourth globally, recording 750 terrorism-related deaths in 2025—an increase of 46 per cent compared to the previous year. The report also highlights a surge in attacks, which rose by 43 per cent from 120 incidents in 2024 to 171 in 2025, underscoring a deteriorating security landscape.

The Sahel region, which includes parts of northern Nigeria, was identified as the global epicentre of terrorism for the third consecutive year, accounting for nearly half of all terrorism-related deaths worldwide. Within Nigeria, Borno State remains the most affected area, responsible for 67 per cent of attacks and 72 per cent of deaths recorded during the period under review.

The report further indicates a troubling shift in the profile of victims, with civilians now accounting for 67 per cent of those killed. Armed groups such as ISWAP were responsible for more than half of all attacks and fatalities, while Boko Haram continues to pose a persistent threat. Emerging groups, including Lakurawa, were also noted, suggesting an evolving and expanding security challenge.

ADC’s Criticism of Government Response

The ADC described the latest findings as a direct reflection of governance shortcomings under President Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). The party stated that the statistics go beyond abstract figures, representing the lived realities of Nigerians facing daily threats to their safety.

It also raised concerns about leadership priorities, alleging that key government officials were absent from the country at a critical moment when decisive action was required. According to the party, this absence highlights a disconnect between the scale of the crisis and the level of attention it receives from national leadership.

Furthermore, the ADC argued that the Global Terrorism Index aligns with broader indicators linking insecurity to weak governance, internal instability, and economic hardship. It maintained that without addressing these underlying issues, efforts to combat terrorism would remain insufficient.

Proposed Reforms and Policy Direction

In response to the current situation, the ADC outlined a three-point strategy aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s security framework. The first proposal focuses on improving intelligence coordination by establishing a legally mandated national system, led by a Coordinator of National Intelligence, alongside a unified Joint Terrorism Task Force to ensure timely and effective responses.

Secondly, the party advocated for decentralised policing, proposing a structure that incorporates federal, state, and community-level security systems. According to the ADC, this approach would enhance responsiveness, improve accountability, and better reflect local realities across Nigeria’s 774 local government areas.

Finally, the ADC emphasised the need to transition from reactive to preventive security measures. It proposed the development of an intelligence-driven system supported by data analysis, early warning mechanisms, and rapid response units in every state. The objective, it said, is to prevent attacks before they occur rather than responding after lives have been lost.

The ADC concluded that a comprehensive and proactive approach, combined with stronger governance and economic stability, is essential to reversing the current trend and restoring public confidence in national security.