Nigeria has been ranked the third most powerful military force in Africa, according to the 2025 Global Firepower Military Strength Index.
The latest ranking, which assesses the military strength of 145 countries across the world, places Nigeria behind Egypt and Algeria, but ahead of South Africa, Ethiopia, Angola and Morocco.
Egypt retained the top spot in Africa and is ranked 19th globally, while Algeria sits at 26th globally. Nigeria climbed to the 31st position worldwide.
The ranking, based on more than 60 carefully analysed indicators, was released by Global Firepower on Monday.
The metrics include the number of active and reserve personnel, the range and diversity of weapon systems, the size of the defence budget, logistical efficiency, and geographical advantages.
Nigeria’s rise to third place has been attributed to its recent efforts to modernise its armed forces, strategic investment in defence infrastructure, and improved counter-terrorism operations, particularly in the North-East and other flashpoints across the country.
In recent years, Nigeria has increased defence spending, enhanced the training of its troops, acquired modern military hardware, and restructured various arms of the Armed Forces.
The top ten African military powers for 2025, according to the index, are:
-
- Egypt — Global Rank: 19
- Algeria — 26
- Nigeria — 31
- South Africa — 40
- Ethiopia — 52
- Angola — 56
- Morocco — 59
- Democratic Republic of the Congo — 66
- Sudan — 73
- Libya — 76
On the global scene, the top ten countries with the most powerful military forces remain unchanged. The United States leads the pack, followed by Russia, China, India, South Korea, the United Kingdom, France, Japan, Turkey, and Italy.
While South Africa — once regarded as the military giant of Sub-Saharan Africa — now trails behind Nigeria, experts say the country’s declining defence budget and lack of modernisation may have contributed to its drop in ranking.
Nigeria’s steady climb up the index is seen by many observers as encouraging, especially at a time when the country is battling insurgency, banditry, piracy, and separatist agitations. However, citizens have urged the Federal Government to ensure that the improved ranking translates into real security gains on ground.
An Abuja-based security analyst told Pilot News: “It’s good news that Nigeria has moved up the ladder in Africa’s military ranking, but what Nigerians want to see is a country where travelling by road is safe, where schools are no longer targets of mass abductions, and where farmers can go to their farms without fear.”
- Reps Proposes 83 Extra Seats in NASS, 10% for Women, 5% for PWDs - July 10, 2025
- FG Reverses 18-Year Entry Age to tertiary institutions, Adopts 16 - July 8, 2025
- Governor Radda: 90% of Bandits in Katsina Are Locals - July 8, 2025