The 2026 Global Firepower Index has placed Nigeria third among African countries in military strength, trailing only Egypt and Algeria. Egypt leads the continent with a Power Index (PwrIndx) score of 0.3651, while Algeria holds second place with a score of 0.4849, despite a slight decline from its previous performance, according to Vanguard. Nigeria secured the third position with a PwrIndx of 0.6097. In the Global Firepower ranking system, a lower score indicates greater military capability.
Africa's Top 10 Militaries in 2026
South Africa ranks fourth with a PwrIndx of 0.6843. Ethiopia climbed to fifth place with a score of 0.8525. Morocco moved up to sixth with 1.0368, ahead of Angola, which dropped to seventh with a score of 1.1045. The Democratic Republic of the Congo rose to eighth place, recording a PwrIndx of 1.3051. Sudan follows in ninth with 1.3563, and Tunisia rounds out the continent's top ten with a score of 1.7823.
Complete Top 10 List for Africa
- Egypt – 0.3651
- Algeria – 0.4849
- Nigeria – 0.6097
- South Africa – 0.6843
- Ethiopia – 0.8525
- Morocco – 1.0368
- Angola – 1.1045
- Democratic Republic of the Congo – 1.3051
- Sudan – 1.3563
- Tunisia – 1.7823
How the Index Works
The Global Firepower Index compiles its rankings using over 60 individual data points. These cover areas such as available manpower, weapon systems, logistical capacity, defence budgets, and a country's geography and natural resources. Nuclear capability, where applicable, is also factored into the overall assessment. The index is widely referenced as a comparative measure of national military power, though it does not determine the outcome of any specific conflict or engagement.
Nigerian Army Buries Soldiers Killed by Boko Haram
In a separate report, troops of the Joint Task Force (North East) under Operation HADIN KAI have laid to rest soldiers who lost their lives during a clash with Boko Haram insurgents in Borno state. The burial ceremony took place at the Maimalari Military Cantonment Cemetery in Maiduguri over the weekend.
