- 565 killed in 2024 as Sahel emerges as global terrorism epicenter
- Troops neutralize 92 terrorists, arrest 111, rescue 75 hostages – DHQ
- CDS: Nigerian military committed to Sahel cooperation
- FG freezes assets of Simon Ekpa, 16 others for terrorism financing
- Nnamdi Kanu files fresh suits over rights violations
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has dismissed the credibility of the 2025 Global Terrorism Index (GTI), which ranks Nigeria as the sixth most terrorism-affected country, an increase from its previous eighth-place ranking.
The latest GTI report, released on Wednesday, recorded 565 terrorism-related deaths in Nigeria in 2024, marking a continued rise in fatalities. While deaths had dropped from a peak of 2,101 in 2014 to 392 in 2022, the trend reversed with 533 deaths in 2023 and 565 in 2024.
The Sahel region has become the global epicenter of terrorism, accounting for 51% of all terrorism-related deaths in 2024. The terror group IS-Sahel has increased its activities in the region, carrying out 16 attacks in Nigeria in 2024.
DHQ Questions Nigeria’s Ranking, Highlights Military Gains
Responding to the GTI report, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major-General Markus Kangye, argued that Nigeria’s security situation should be assessed based on military intelligence rather than external reports.
“Something is happening in my house, and as the head, I am in the best position to provide accurate information,” Kangye stated, urging the media to fact-check reports.
He further announced that Nigerian troops had eliminated 92 terrorists, arrested 111 suspects, and rescued 75 hostages in one week. Among the killed insurgents was a notorious commander, Abba Alai (Amirul Khalid of Alafa). Troops also arrested 18 suspected oil thieves, recovering ₦521.8 million worth of stolen products.
FG Freezes Assets of Terrorism Financiers
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Sanctions Committee has designated 17 individuals and organizations as terrorism financiers, ordering banks to freeze their assets. The list includes:
- Simon Ekpa
- Godstime Promise Iyare
- Francis Mmaduabuchi
- Lakurawa Group (linked to extremist activities in the Sahel)
A government document obtained on Thursday directed financial institutions to immediately freeze funds, report transactions, and prevent further financial dealings with the sanctioned entities.
Ekpa is accused of facilitating 49 fundraisers across different countries between October 2023 and September 2024 to fund attacks in Southeastern Nigeria, leading to security personnel casualties and destruction of public properties.
Nnamdi Kanu Files Fresh Lawsuits Over Rights Violations
In a separate development, detained IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu has initiated fresh legal action to challenge alleged violations of his constitutional rights.
His legal team, led by Aloy Ejimakor, filed two suits at the Federal High Court in Abuja:
- A lawsuit demanding fair trial or unconditional release
- A writ of mandamus compelling authorities to conduct his trial in line with legal procedures
Ejimakor argued that judicial delays and procedural irregularities had prolonged Kanu’s detention for nearly four years without a fair trial.
The case continues to fuel debates over judicial independence, human rights, and the government’s handling of separatist movements.
