According to Global Firepower’s 2025 Military Strength Index, Nigeria has been ranked 3rd in Africa and 31st globally. Despite being a nation of steel without a shield, the ranking is based on over 60 indicators, including manpower, logistics, and financial capacity. Egypt and Algeria claimed the top two spots, while South Africa came fourth.
- Nigeria ranked 3rd in Africa and 31st globally, ahead of South Africa and Ethiopia.
- GFP index evaluates military strength using data like troop numbers, hardware, logistics, and defence budget.
- North African giants Egypt and Algeria maintained their positions as Africa’s leading forces.
- West African neighbours like Ghana (110), Niger (119), and Burkina Faso (129) lagged behind Nigeria.
Steel without a shield is strength imagined, not always realised. Nigeria may look formidable on paper, but insurgency, morale issues, and budget gaps suggest a disconnect between perceived power and protective presence. A sword is not a shelter.
Source: Global Firepower
