Nigeria has emerged as the third most powerful military force on the African continent, surpassing South Africa.
This is according to the 2025 Global Firepower Index, which ranks global military strengths annually.
The report, published by Business Insider Africa, cited increased investment in security and defense capabilities.
Nigeria now ranks third in Africa, behind only Egypt and Algeria.
Globally, Nigeria also rose from 39th to 31st, with an improved PowerIndex score of 0.57.
Egypt and Algeria maintained the first and second African spots, scoring 0.34 and 0.35 respectively.
The rankings reflect Nigeria’s enhanced spending on military infrastructure, strategic procurement, and counter-terrorism operations.
Security expert Dr. Ayodele Balogun said the rise didn’t come as a surprise.
“Nigeria is responding to complex internal and regional threats by reinforcing its military might,” he noted.
He said the development signals a shift in Nigeria’s role as a regional stabilizer and peace enforcer.
Balogun added that Nigeria’s posture reflects readiness to deter threats across the Sahel and Lake Chad Basin.
Despite the new military stature, Nigeria has urged calm as global tensions rise.
The Federal Government has reacted to escalating hostilities between Israel and Iran.
Diaspora Digital Media reported that Israel launched major airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear and military sites on Thursday, June 12.
Iran responded with waves of missile attacks, raising global fears of a wider conflict.
In response, Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement condemning the violence.
“The Federal Government condemns Israel’s preemptive strike on Iran,” said spokesperson Kimiebi Ebienfa.
Nigeria called for restraint on all sides and warned against further escalation.
“We express grave concern and call for immediate cessation of hostilities,” the statement read.
The Ministry warned that continued retaliation could worsen the already unstable Middle East region.
It also noted that the conflict poses risks to global peace and economic stability.
“The cycle of violence endangers civilian lives and threatens global development,” the government emphasized.
Diplomatic watchers say Nigeria’s balanced stance mirrors its ambition to be a respected global voice.
Nigeria continues to deploy troops in regional peacekeeping and anti-insurgency missions across West and Central Africa.