The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has expressed concerns over the credibility of the 2025 Global Terrorism Index, which ranked Nigeria sixth globally with a score of 7.658.
The DHQ’s Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye, stated that reports from the Nigerian military provide a more accurate account of counter-terrorism efforts in the country than external sources.
The Global Terrorism Index is produced by the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP), which uses data from Terrorism Tracker and other sources to provide a comprehensive summary of global trends and patterns in terrorism. The index ranks countries based on the impact of terrorism, including the number of deaths, injuries, and property damage.
Kangye argued that information from the military should be deemed more credible than reports from outsiders, using a family analogy to drive home his point. He urged the media to verify and correct any misleading narratives about Nigeria’s security situation. The DHQ’s concerns highlight the challenges of relying on external sources for information on counter-terrorism efforts.
The Nigerian military has been actively engaged in counter-terrorism operations, particularly in the North East region where Boko Haram insurgents have been active. The military has reported significant successes in recent years, including the rescue of kidnapped victims and the neutralization of insurgents.
Kangye also addressed the security situation in the South East region, where IPOB/ESN fighters have been active. He reassured that the military is actively working to restore normalcy in the region and rid it of IPOB/ESN fighters. The past three commanders in the region have been doing well in encouraging people to go about their normal business.
The Defence Headquarters’ concerns over the credibility of the Global Terrorism Index highlight the need for accurate and reliable information on counter-terrorism efforts. The Nigerian military’s efforts to combat terrorism and restore security in the country should be recognized and supported. It is essential for the media and the public to rely on credible sources of information to ensure an accurate understanding of the security situation in Nigeria.