The Nigerian military has challenged the credibility of the latest Global Terrorism Index (GTI), which ranked Nigeria as the 6th most terrorism-affected nation globally.
Released on March 5, the report assigned Nigeria a score of 7.658, moving it up from 8th place in 2023 and 2024, with 565 terrorism-related deaths recorded in 2024. The 2025 GTI ranked Burkina Faso as the most terrorism-affected country (8.581), followed by Pakistan (8.374), Syria (8.006), Mali (7.907), and Niger (7.776), with Nigeria ahead of Somalia (7.614), Israel (7.463), Afghanistan (7.262), Cameroon (6.944), and Myanmar (6.929).
Director of Defence Media Operations, Markus Kangye, dismissed the report, arguing that military intelligence and first-hand assessments from Nigerian forces offer a more accurate representation of the situation.
“Something is happening in my house, and I am the head of the house. Someone outside reports what is happening to me; who would be more correct? The head of the house or the outsider?” he questioned, urging the media to prioritize verified military reports over external assessments.
Regarding the South-East’s security situation, Kangye acknowledged that fear continues to keep residents indoors on Mondays despite Operation Udo Ka’s efforts to restore normalcy. He attributed the situation to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and Eastern Security Network (ESN), asserting that military commanders in the region are working relentlessly to counter these threats.
Providing an update on military operations, Kangye revealed that Nigerian troops eliminated 92 terrorists, including a high-profile commander, Abba Alai (also known as Amirul Khalid of Alafa). Additionally, 111 criminals were apprehended, and 75 hostages were rescued within a week.
He reiterated the military’s commitment to eradicating insurgents and criminal elements nationwide while countering narratives that undermine counter-terrorism efforts.
Source: Swifteradio.com
