Nigeria, the African Union (AU), and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) on Sunday swiftly condemned an attempted military takeover in the Benin Republic, which saw soldiers briefly seize control of the national television station in Cotonou.
The condemnation came amid reports of confusion and gunfire after a group of soldiers, calling themselves the Military Committee for Refoundation, announced the removal of President Patrice Talon from office and the dissolution of all state institutions.
However, the Beninoise government confirmed that its armed forces had successfully foiled the coup attempt, with President Talon later reassuring the public that order was restored. The failed putsch marks the latest in a worrying trend of threats to democratic rule in the region, following military takeovers in Benin’s neighbours: Niger, Burkina Faso, Mali, Guinea, and Guinea-Bissau.
Nigeria confirmed its active involvement in suppressing the coup through the deployment of its Air Force assets.
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) disclosed that fighter jets were deployed to the Benin Republic under the mandate of the ECOWAS Standby Forces (ESF).
The quick action, which included the deployment of a regional standby force from Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Côte d’Ivoire, and Ghana, was ordered to support the Benin government in preserving constitutional order.
According to the 2025 Global Firepower Military Strength Index, Nigeria was recently ranked as the third most powerful military force in Africa, behind only Egypt and Algeria.
The report, which evaluates the military capabilities of 145 countries globally, reveals Nigeria’s capacity to execute regional security mandates like that of the ECOWAS Standby Force.
1. Egypt
Egypt is recognised as the strongest military power in Africa and ranks 19th globally. The Egyptian Armed Forces consist of four main branches: the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Air Defense Forces. The country has heavily invested in modernising its military equipment and infrastructure, maintaining a large arsenal of tanks, aircraft, and naval assets. Egypt also benefits from significant foreign military aid, including $1.85 billion annually from the United States.
2. Algeria
Algeria ranks second in Africa and 26th globally. Its military strength is supported by substantial oil revenues, enabling it to acquire advanced weaponry and maintain a well-trained force. Algeria focuses on border security and counterterrorism operations while maintaining strong air and land forces.
3. Nigeria
Nigeria is ranked third in Africa and 31st globally. It has made significant investments in its armed forces to combat insurgency and terrorism within its borders. The Nigerian Armed Forces include a large number of active personnel and a growing inventory of armoured vehicles and aircraft.
4. South Africa
South Africa is ranked fourth in Africa and 40th globally. Known for its advanced defence industry, South Africa produces much of its own military equipment. However, budget constraints have limited the further development of its armed forces in recent years.
5. Ethiopia
Ethiopia ranks fifth in Africa and 52nd globally. Despite economic challenges, Ethiopia maintains a large standing army focused on regional security issues, particularly conflicts in the Horn of Africa.
6. Angola
Angola holds the sixth position in Africa and ranks 56th globally. Its military strength is bolstered by oil revenues that fund its defence sector. Angola has invested in modernising its armed forces to address internal security challenges.
7. Morocco
Morocco is ranked seventh in Africa and 59th globally. The country has focused on modernising its military equipment, particularly for border security and counterterrorism operations. Morocco maintains strong diplomatic ties with Western nations for defence cooperation.
8. Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)
The DRC ranks eighth in Africa and holds the global position of 66th. Despite internal conflicts, the country has been working to stabilise its military capabilities through international partnerships and increased investment.
9. Sudan
Sudan is ranked ninth in Africa and holds the global rank of 73rd. Its military faces significant challenges due to ongoing political instability but remains focused on maintaining territorial integrity.
10. Libya
Libya rounds out the top ten list for Africa with a global rank of 76th. The country’s military strength has been affected by years of civil conflict but retains strategic importance due to its location and natural resources.
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