**Jihadist Violence on the Rise in Nigeria and DRC as Global Terror Deaths Plummet** A new report has revealed a disturbing trend in Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where jihadist violence has surged significantly in 2025. Despite a decline in global terror deaths to their lowest level in a decade, these two African nations continue to grapple with the menace of extremist groups. Nigeria, Africa's most populous nation, has seen a 46% increase in terrorism-related deaths, making it the country with the largest increase globally in 2025. With a total of 750 fatalities, Nigeria now ranks fourth on the Global Terrorism Index, behind Pakistan, Burkina Faso, and Niger. This rise in violence is attributed to the activities of extremist groups like Boko Haram and its offshoots, which are attempting to assert control over large swaths of territory in the north and central regions. In a harrowing incident in February, 162 people were massacred in Kwara state, near the border with Benin Republic, in one of the deadliest single attacks in recent Nigerian history. Furthermore, in a recent coordinated assault on a military base in Borno state, at least 80 Islamist insurgents were killed, including senior commanders. In the DRC, terrorism-related deaths rose by nearly 28% in 2025, with a total of 467 fatalities. This surge is largely attributed to the activities of the IS-affiliated Allied Democratic Forces (ADF). While the rest of the world has seen a decline in terror-related deaths, Nigeria and the DRC continue to struggle with the menace of extremism. The rise in violence in these nations highlights the need for a concerted effort to address the root causes of terrorism and to strengthen security measures to protect innocent lives. **Understanding the Context** For Nigerians, the rise in jihadist violence is a stark reminder of the security challenges facing the country. The activities of extremist groups like Boko Haram have been a thorn in the side of the government for years, with devastating consequences for civilians. The recent surge in violence highlights the need for a comprehensive approach to addressing the root causes of terrorism, including poverty, unemployment, and social inequality. In the DRC, the rise in terrorism-related deaths is also a cause for concern. The country has been plagued by violence and instability for years, with the ADF being one of the most prominent extremist groups. The recent surge in violence highlights the need for a strengthened security response to address the threat posed by extremist groups.