Russia Tops list, followed by Ukraine
DRC, South Sudan, Somalia, Burkina Faso Illustrate Significant Security Challenges in Africa.
The Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP) has ranked Nigeria as the 16th most dangerous country in the world, giving it a Global Peace Index score of 2.869.
This ranking is influenced by factors such as insurgency, terrorism, and corruption, which continue to affect the country’s stability.
Since 2009, extremist violence in Nigeria, primarily by groups such as Boko Haram and ISWAP, has caused more than 35,000 deaths, according to UNHCR.
Most of these deaths occurred in Nigeria’s northeast, especially in Borno State, which has experienced the highest fatality rate from this violence.
The humanitarian impact is considerable. In Nigeria, over 3.7 million people are currently internally displaced, dispersed across various regions nationwide.
Displacement is most severe in the northeast but also affects other northern regions, collectively hosting over a million displaced people.
Camps and host communities are working to manage limited resources amid ongoing insecurity, which is shaping the country’s population patterns.
Around the world, Russia is ranked as the most dangerous country, with a GPI score of 3.441. This is due to its ongoing war with Ukraine, which is second on the list with a score of 3.434.
The war has resulted in extensive damage in Eastern Europe and has created a complex humanitarian situation. In Africa, Sudan is ranked third, experiencing violence and economic challenges that have resulted in food shortages for many people.
The Democratic Republic of Congo is fourth on the list, affected by gender-based violence and fighting between armed groups. South Sudan, ranked eighth, still faces ethnic and political conflicts. Somalia, in thirteenth place, is known for piracy and terrorism.
Burkina Faso, ranked 12th, is facing one of the world’s fastest-growing displacement crises. Humanitarian agencies estimate that 25% of the population now depends on aid for survival.
Other nations on the list include Afghanistan (6th), Yemen (5th), Syria (7th), and Israel (9th), all of which are affected by conflict and instability.
Iraq (17th), Turkey (18th), Palestine (19th), and Pakistan (20th) show widespread insecurity, while countries like Mexico (29th) and Haiti (23rd) are ranked for organised crime and political unrest.
Nigeria’s ranking highlights ongoing challenges to civilian safety and development related to insecurity. The number of deaths and displaced people reflects a broader pattern of instability in Africa and underscores the need for global engagement.
