The Nigeria Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has strongly rebutted the newest Global Terrorism Index (GTI) 2024 report, in which Nigeria stood as the world's eighth most terrorism-affected country. The military contends that outside agencies are not best placed to measure Nigeria's counter-terrorism activities as against Nigeria's own security agencies.
Nigeria's Standing in the Global Terrorism Index 2024
The GTI report, published annually by the Institute for Economics and Peace, examines trends in terrorism across the globe based on incidents, deaths, and economic impact. In the 2024 GTI report, Nigeria ranked 8th with a 7.575 score, among the nations most impacted by terrorist attacks. (Business Day)
However, from its position, the report recorded a 23% decline in terror attacks and fatalities in Nigeria in the recent years. There were 385 deaths, recording a marked decline in terrorism activities in the nation. (Vanguard)
Defence Headquarters Rejects Report Findings
At a press briefing in Abuja, the Defence Media Operations Director, Maj. Gen. Markus Kangye, dismissed the GTI report, stating that no external agency could better define Nigeria's security status than its own defence and security forces.
He argued:
"There is something happening in my house. I'm the head of the house… and someone else is reporting what happens in my house to me. Which one would be more correct? The one that I'm going to pass on to you as head of the house or the one being reported to me from the outside?
Kangye appealed to Nigerian media and journalists to believe official security briefings instead of unrepresentative foreign reports which do not capture the true progress made in combating terror.
Nigeria's Counter-Terrorism Progress
Despite DHQ's concern regarding Nigeria's GTI ranking, recent events unveil vast progress:
- 23% decline in terror-related deaths in 2024 compared to previous years.
- The military operations have displaced groups such as Boko Haram and ISWAP (Islamic State West Africa Province).
- Counter-insurgency operations in the Northeast, such as Operation Hadin Kai, have effectively counteracted terrorist cells.
- Security forces have intensified efforts to combat terrorism in Northern and Southeastern Nigeria.
Security Issues in Southeast Nigeria
Along with Boko Haram and ISWAP in the North, Defence Headquarters also discussed security matters in the Southeast, which had been governed by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and their militias, the Eastern Security Network (ESN).
The military initiated Operation Udo Ka, the purpose being to restore stability and clamp down on separatist violence within the region.
Kangye asserted:
The locals, however, fear to be attacked or murdered and even prefer to stay indoors. Our commanders in Operation Udo Ka, though, are doing everything possible to free the Southeast from IPOB/ESN operations."
Global Terrorism Trends: Where Does Nigeria Stand?
The terrorism terrain continues to be dynamic globally, with some areas witnessing rising attacks.
Key Global Terrorism Insights from GTI 2024:
- Global deaths in terrorism increased by 22%, reaching 8,352 fatalities – a record since 2017. (ReliefWeb)
- The Sahel zone is currently the world's terrorism hub, and terror fatalities have rised ten times since 2019.
- Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger accounted for 51% of global terrorism deaths in 2024. (Africa Report)
What This Means for Nigeria's Security Strategy
The Nigerian government and security institutions continue to improve and refine counter-terrorism strategies against emerging threats. Priority is given to:
- Developing military intelligence against Boko Haram, ISWAP, and IPOB/ESN.
- Increased cooperation between security forces and host communities for increased information sharing.
- Technology investment and innovation in warfare tactics against terrorist threats.
Conclusion: Is Nigeria's Ranking Justified?
Even though the Global Terrorism Index ranks Nigeria as one of the most terrorized nations, the DHQ strongly disagrees, citing marked improvement in security operations.
Although terrorism remains an issue, the 23% reduction in terror attacks and deaths is evidence of progress. Yet prolonged military effort, intelligence-led operations, and international cooperation are needed to bring about lasting stability.
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