Most Dangerous Terrorist Groups in Africa (2024)

Terrorism remains a significant threat to global peace and stability, with Africa being one of the most affected continents. Over the years, several terror groups have emerged in different parts of Africa, perpetrating heinous acts that have resulted in loss of lives, displacement of people, and economic devastation. In this article, we will highlight the most dangerous terrorist groups in Africa in 2024. According to the Global Terrorism Index, the groups below have been responsible for some of the most devastating attacks in recent times, and their activities continue to pose a significant threat to the security and stability of the affected regions.

Most Dangerous Terrorist Groups in Africa, 2024

1. Al-Shabaab

Al-Shabaab is a Somali-based Islamist extremist group that emerged in 2006 and has since been responsible for numerous deadly attacks in East Africa, including bombings, assassinations, and abductions. The group’s primary objective is to establish a fundamentalist Islamic state in Somalia and, in pursuit of this goal, has been involved in a long-running insurgency against the Somali government and its allies. Al-Shabaab has also conducted attacks against Western targets in the region, including the 2013 Westgate shopping mall attack in Nairobi, Kenya, which killed 67 people.

2. Jamaat Nusrat al-Islam wal Muslimeen (JNIM)

Jamaat Nusrat al-Islam wal Muslimeen (JNIM) is an al-Qaida-affiliated jihadist group that operates primarily in Mali and Burkina Faso. Formed in March 2017, the group is a merger of several smaller jihadist groups and has since been responsible for numerous deadly attacks against civilians, security forces, and UN peacekeepers in the region. JNIM’s primary objective is to establish an Islamic state in the Sahel region of West Africa.

3. Islamic State West Africa (ISWA)

Islamic State West Africa (ISWA) is an Islamic State-affiliated extremist group that operates primarily in Nigeria and the Lake Chad Basin. Formed in 2015, the group split from Boko Haram and has since been responsible for numerous deadly attacks against civilians, security forces, and UN peacekeepers in the region. ISWA’s primary objective is to establish an Islamic state in the region and impose its strict interpretation of Sharia law.

4. Boko Haram

Boko Haram is a Nigerian-based Islamist extremist group that emerged in 2002 and has since been responsible for numerous deadly attacks against civilians, security forces, and UN peacekeepers in Nigeria and neighboring countries. The group’s primary objective is to establish an Islamic state in Nigeria and, in pursuit of this goal, has been involved in a long-running insurgency against the Nigerian government and its allies. Boko Haram gained global notoriety in 2014 when it kidnapped 276 schoolgirls from the town of Chibok.

Top 20 Most Terrorized Countries in Africa, 2024