Nigeria has moved up to become the third most powerful military force on the African continent, according to the latest 2025 Global Firepower Index. The new ranking, published by Business Insider Africa and based on data from Global Firepower, places Nigeria ahead of South Africa, which now ranks fourth.
Globally, Nigeria also improved its position, rising from 39th to 31st with a PowerIndex score of 0.57. Egypt and Algeria continue to occupy the first and second positions in Africa with scores of 0.34 and 0.35 respectively.
The improved rating reflects Nigeria’s increased investment in military infrastructure, strategic procurement, and training—particularly in counter-terrorism and regional security operations.
Security expert Dr. Ayodele Balogun noted that the development was not surprising, given Nigeria’s recent efforts to respond to persistent threats from insurgent groups operating in the Sahel and across its borders.
“Stable nations like Nigeria are responding to internal and regional challenges by strengthening their military capabilities,” Balogun said. “It’s also a signal to neighbours and allies that Nigeria is repositioning as a regional stabiliser.”
Despite its recent rise in military ranking, Nigeria has called for calm as tensions escalate between Israel and Iran.
In the wake of Israeli airstrikes on Iranian military and nuclear sites—an action that has led to days of missile exchanges between the two countries—the Federal Government has expressed strong concern over the developments.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the violence and urged both parties to exercise restraint.
“The Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria condemns Israel’s preemptive strike on Iran,” said Ministry spokesperson Kimiebi Ebienfa. “We express our grave concern and call for an immediate cessation of hostilities.”
The government noted that the ongoing conflict threatens to inflame an already volatile region, with possible ripple effects on international peace and the global economy.
“The continued cycle of retaliation endangers civilian lives and threatens to plunge the broader Middle East into further instability, with implications for international security and economic development,” the statement added.
1SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER NOW
Support MATAZ ARISING’ journalism of integrity and credibility.
Good journalism ensure the possibility of a good society, an accountable democracy, and a transparent government.
We ask you to consider making a modest support to this noble endeavour.
TEXT AD: To advertise here – Email ad@matazarising.com
LATEST POSTS
Coalition: APC blames Nigeria’s extreme poverty, corruption, on Atiku, Obi, El-Rufai
MaTaZ ArIsInGDallas, Texas Bolaji Abdullahi, spokesperson for the ADC, could not be reached for response to Mr Morka’s claim. The All Progressives Congress (APC) has blamed Nigeria’s misfortune, rising poverty, corruption and economic stagnation of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Anambra Governor, Peter Obi, and other members of the newly formed coalition. Felix Morka,…
The North Will Celebrate Me If I Am President — Peter Obi
MaTaZ ArIsInGDallas, Texas The presidential hopeful implored the people of Northern Nigeria to trust him with their votes, saying he understands the challenges plaguing their region. 2027 presidential aspirant Peter Obi says the northern region of Nigeria will celebrate him if he becomes president. According to him, the greatest asset Nigeria has is in the…
Ohanaeze to Tinubu: Igbos won’t trade Nnamdi Kanu’s freedom for your re-election
MaTaZ ArIsInGDallas, Texas Ohanaeze Ndigbo has warned President Bola Tinubu that the release of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), must not be tied to political support from the southeast in the 2027 elections. In a statement issued on Sunday, Okechukwu Isiguzoro, deputy president-general of the apex Igbo sociocultural organisation, said…
