Nigeria is currently ranked 8 on the Global Terrorism Index of 2024.  In the northeast of the country, Boko Haram suffered setbacks this year with the killing of its leader, while in the northwest, both Boko Haram and the Islamic State in West Africa expanded their presence and influence, building ties with local communities, criminal gangs, and herder-affiliated militia.

A number of security operations to crack down on the myriad of security challenges are ongoing, with the military currently deployed in 30 of the country’s 36 states. However, successes to date have been hard won and communities remain at risk from rising insecurity.

Kaduna, Katsina and Sokoto States have been badly affected by violence in communities, kidnapping, cattle rustling, attacks in farms and markets close to the ungoverned forest areas. GCERF grantees in these states report a marked increase in the number of internally displaced people (IDPs) and street children.   While ActionAid Nigeria reported no increase in violence in Kano State due to the proactive nature of the government several years ago in establishing early warning systems (which the programme has built upon) and using technology in the ungoverned forest areas.