Nigeria Ranked Third Most Powerful Military in Africa
Nigeria has been ranked as the third most powerful military force in Africa, according to the 2025 Global Military Strength Index released by Global Firepower (GFP).
The report places Nigeria behind Egypt and Algeria, which hold the first and second positions respectively on the continent.
Globally, Nigeria is ranked 31st among 145 countries assessed, marking a significant rise in its military standing.
The index evaluates nations based on over 60 individual factors, including active personnel strength, equipment inventory, defense budget, logistics, natural resources, and geographical positioning.
Nigeria’s improved ranking is attributed to its growing active personnel base, expansion in air, land, and naval assets, as well as ongoing investments in counter-insurgency operations and military modernization.
According to the GFP data, Nigeria maintains approximately 230,000 active military personnel and a steadily growing defense infrastructure.
Reactions to the announcement have been positive across Nigerian media and defense analysts, with many highlighting the country’s recent efforts to upgrade military equipment, restructure command operations, and respond to both internal and regional security challenges.
Egypt retained its position as the most powerful military in Africa and 19th globally, followed by Algeria at 26th globally. South Africa and Ethiopia were ranked fourth and fifth in Africa respectively.
