According to the 2025 Global Firepower Index, Nigeria has emerged as the third most powerful military force in Africa, behind only Egypt and Algeria. The ranking evaluates over 60 factors, including manpower, equipment, logistics, financial stability, and geography, to determine the military strength of 145 countries globally.
Top 10 African Military Powers in 2025:
1. Egypt – 19th globally
2. Algeria – 26th globally
3. Nigeria – 31st globally
4. South Africa – 40th globally
5. Ethiopia – 52nd globally
6. Angola – 56th globally
7. Morocco – 59th globally
8. Democratic Republic of the Congo – 66th globally
9. Sudan – 73rd globally
10. Libya – 76th globally
Nigeria’s Military Strength Highlights:
Active personnel: Estimated over 223,000
Defense budget: Over $3 billion
Fleet: Includes fighter aircraft, naval assets, and armored vehicles
Experience: Continual engagement in counter-terrorism, peacekeeping, and joint operations
This strong showing reflects Nigeria’s sustained investment in military modernization, regional peacekeeping, and its strategic role in West Africa’s security framework.
The United States remains the world’s top military power, followed by Russia, China, and India according to the index.