Nigeria, the African Union (AU), and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) moved swiftly on Sunday to denounce and counter an attempted coup in the Benin Republic. The incident unfolded when a faction of soldiers seized the state television station in Cotonou and announced that President Patrice Talon had been removed from office.
Identifying themselves as the “Military Committee for Refoundation,” the rebel soldiers claimed to have dissolved all state institutions. Their declaration sparked several hours of confusion, punctuated by gunfire and security alerts across the capital.
Benin’s government later confirmed that loyal forces had overpowered the dissident group and restored control. President Talon addressed the nation, assuring citizens that the situation was under control and that constitutional order remained intact. The attempted coup adds to growing concerns about democratic stability in West Africa, a region already shaken by recent military takeovers in Niger, Burkina Faso, Mali, Guinea, and Guinea-Bissau.
Nigeria also disclosed that it played a direct role in stabilising the situation. The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) deployed fighter jets to Benin under the ECOWAS Standby Force (ESF) mandate, joining a joint rapid-response contingent that included personnel from Sierra Leone, Côte d’Ivoire, and Ghana. The deployment underscored ECOWAS’s commitment to preventing further erosion of democratic governance in the region.
This rapid intervention aligns with Nigeria’s expanding role as a regional security anchor—an influence supported by its rising global military ranking. According to the 2025 Global Firepower Military Strength Index, Nigeria is now ranked as the third most powerful military force in Africa, behind Egypt and Algeria. The assessment, which evaluates the capabilities of 145 countries worldwide, highlights Nigeria’s growing capacity to lead and execute regional security missions such as those conducted by the ECOWAS Standby Force.
Africa’s Top Military Powers in 2025 (Global Firepower Index)
1. Egypt – Africa’s Strongest Military (19th Globally)
Egypt remains the continent’s dominant military power, supported by four robust service branches: the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Air Defense Forces. The country continues to modernise its military infrastructure and operates one of Africa’s largest inventories of tanks, aircraft, and naval platforms. Its strength is bolstered by substantial foreign military aid, including an annual $1.85 billion package from the United States.
2. Algeria – Second in Africa (26th Globally)
Backed by significant oil revenues, Algeria maintains a highly equipped and well-trained force. It places strong emphasis on counterterrorism and border protection, with formidable air and land capabilities.
3. Nigeria – Third in Africa (31st Globally)
Nigeria’s rising global ranking reflects growing investments in defence, including modern aircraft and armoured vehicles. The Nigerian Armed Forces continue to expand and upgrade equipment to combat insurgency, banditry, and terrorism across the country. Its large active personnel strength and operational experience position it as a key driver of regional stability.
4. South Africa – Fourth in Africa (40th Globally)
South Africa benefits from one of the continent’s most advanced defence industries and produces a substantial portion of its own equipment. Economic constraints, however, have slowed further military development.
5. Ethiopia – Fifth in Africa (52nd Globally)
Despite economic hurdles, Ethiopia maintains a sizeable standing army focused on security in the Horn of Africa, particularly internal conflicts and border tensions.
6. Angola – Sixth in Africa (56th Globally)
Fueled by oil revenue, Angola continues to modernise its military capabilities and strengthen its defence apparatus to address internal security issues.
7. Morocco – Seventh in Africa (59th Globally)
Morocco has prioritised modernising its defence systems, especially for counterterrorism and border control. Strong defence partnerships with Western nations support its military development.
8. Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) – Eighth in Africa (66th Globally)
Although challenged by internal conflicts, the DRC has increased defence investments and international cooperation to improve its military capacity.
9. Sudan – Ninth in Africa (73rd Globally)
Sudan’s armed forces face political and humanitarian challenges but remain focused on safeguarding territorial integrity amid ongoing instability.
10. Libya – Tenth in Africa (76th Globally)
Despite years of conflict, Libya continues to hold strategic relevance due to its geographic location and vast natural resources.
With Nigeria’s enhanced military ranking and its proactive engagement in safeguarding West African democracy, the region’s security landscape appears poised for a new era of coordinated defence efforts and strengthened collective resilience.
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