By Ghazali Ibrahim
Nigeria has been ranked the third most powerful military force in Africa according to the 2025 Global Firepower Military Strength Index, sparking a wave of mixed reactions across social and political circles.
The index, which evaluates 145 countries worldwide using over 60 indicators ranging from troop strength, weapon systems, defence budgets, logistics, geography, and overall combat readiness—places Nigeria just behind Egypt and Algeria, while ahead of South Africa and Ethiopia in the continental ranking.
In Africa’s top five, the rankings are: Egypt– 19th globally, Algeria– 26th globally, Nigeria– 31st globally, South Africa– 40th globally, Ethiopia – 52nd globally.
The ranking shows a significant leap in Nigeria’s military capacity, often measured against its decades-long battle with insurgency in the North East, banditry in the North West, oil theft in the South South, and rising separatist agitations.
Analysts attribute Nigeria’s climb in the index to increased defence spending, procurement of modern military hardware, expanded personnel recruitment, and improved counter-insurgency operations.
The Nigerian Air Force and Navy have also been modernising their fleets in recent years.
However, the ranking has generated a range of public reactions.
“It’s ironic to see Nigeria ranked third when citizens still feel unsafe in many parts of the country,” said X user.
“A powerful military is not just about size and equipment, it’s about impact and presence.”
On social media, many Nigerians expressed skepticism. Some questioned how the country could be ranked so highly given ongoing insecurity in parts of Zamfara, Kaduna, and Plateau States, Benue and the continued abductions along highways.
Others, however, saw the news as a testament to Nigeria’s resilience in the face of domestic and regional threats.
“Despite all, our military has done well with limited resources. Ranking third in Africa is no small feat,” another user on X commented.
In recent years, Nigeria has expanded military operations across troubled regions and increased its presence in joint international security coalitions in the Sahel region.
While Egypt continues to dominate the African military index, thanks to massive foreign military aid and industrial-scale defence production, Nigeria’s continued rise highlights its strategic importance as West Africa’s security powerhouse.
