Nigeria and several other countries across Africa may be exposed to heightened security concerns in the coming years as access to modern weapons systems remains limited, according to newly released data that highlights the continent’s relatively small share of global arms imports. The figures, compiled by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, reveal that Africa accounted for only 4.5 per cent of global arms imports in 2024 and 2025, a stark contrast to the overwhelming dominance of Europe, which represented 48.2 per cent of the total during the same period.
The dataset, made public in March 2026, focuses specifically on the physical volume of international transfers of major weapons systems rather than their financial value. These transfers include direct sales between countries, military assistance programmes, and licensed production arrangements.
Security analysts say the gap in access to weapons and defence capabilities could weaken the ability of many African states, including Nigeria, to effectively confront evolving threats such as terrorism, insurgency, and transnational criminal activities that increasingly cross borders and challenge national security frameworks across the continent.
Across Africa as a whole, the total recorded arms imports reached 3.095 billion in volume terms, with a handful of countries accounting for a significant portion of the inflow. Egypt emerged as the continent’s largest importer during the period under review, registering a combined total of 825 million, representing about 1.3 per cent of global imports.
It was followed by Morocco, which recorded 522 million or roughly 0.8 per cent, while Algeria posted 313 million, amounting to about 0.5 per cent of the global figure. Other countries that featured among notable importers included Ethiopia with 111 million and Sudan with 107 million. Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation, recorded a combined total of 114 million arms imports, representing 0.2 per cent of global imports within the timeframe covered by the report.
The data further indicated a significant drop in Nigeria’s imports between the two years under review, declining sharply from 93 million arms in 2024 to just 21 million in 2025. Additional countries such as Angola, Kenya, and Mauritania also recorded moderate figures, each contributing approximately 0.2 per cent to the global total, underscoring the limited scale of arms acquisition across the continent compared with other regions.
In contrast to Africa’s relatively small share, Europe dominated global arms flows by a wide margin. The continent recorded a combined total of 30.916 billion in import volume, accounting for 48.2 per cent of all international transfers of major weapons systems.
At the top of the global rankings was Ukraine, which imported 7.605 billion in volume terms, equivalent to 12 per cent of total global imports, a reflection of the ongoing impact of the war with Russia and the steady military assistance it continues to receive from Western allies.
Poland followed with 3.711 billion, representing 5.8 per cent, while Germany recorded 1.872 billion or 2.9 per cent. The United States ranked fourth with 1.798 billion, accounting for 2.8 per cent of global imports, and other key importers included Greece with 1.205 billion, Netherlands with 1.157 billion, and the United Kingdom with 1.095 billion. Several other European nations, including Italy, Hungary, Belgium, and Norway, each accounted for between 1.2 and 1.7 per cent of global imports, further reinforcing Europe’s dominant position in the international arms market during the period examined.
On the export side of the global arms trade, the United States maintained its position as the world’s leading supplier of major weapons systems. According to the data, the country recorded 28 billion in transfers, representing 43 per cent of global exports.
France ranked second among exporters with 5.8 billion, amounting to 9.1 per cent, while Russia posted 4 billion in exports, representing 6.1 per cent of the total. Germany and Israel also featured prominently among the world’s top arms exporters, each recording 3.8 billion in transfers, equivalent to 5.9 per cent of global exports.
The distribution of exports highlights how a relatively small number of countries continue to dominate the supply of advanced military equipment worldwide, shaping the balance of power and access to defence capabilities across different regions.
Reacting to the figures, retired Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Wilson Inalegwu, described the situation as a potential turning point for Nigeria and other African nations to begin focusing more seriously on self-reliance in weapons manufacturing and the development of security infrastructure.
According to him, the current reality should prompt government institutions to rethink their approach to defence procurement and capacity building. “It is very important that this is happening. Our government agencies should learn from it. We can repatriate our weapons; it is an opportunity for us to be self-sufficient,” he said.
Inalegwu cautioned that excessive reliance on foreign countries for military hardware could eventually place Nigeria in a vulnerable position if geopolitical circumstances change or access becomes restricted. “If this continues, it means we can just be cut off one day. So, let us look inward, develop our steel sector, and invest in science and technology. That is what will give us the edge,” he added. Emphasising the evolving nature of modern warfare, he further argued that innovation plays a more decisive role than mere physical strength.
“Strength lies in creativity, not just brute force. Even smaller countries are gaining advantages through innovation. When your neighbour deprives you of food, he is teaching you how to farm. It is a big lesson. Every challenge is an opportunity for growth,” Inalegwu stated.
Similarly, another security expert and retired Commissioner of Police, Lawrence Alobi, stressed the urgent need for Nigeria to increase investments aimed at strengthening the operational capacity of its security agencies in line with emerging global realities.
He warned that the global security landscape is becoming increasingly unpredictable, making preparedness essential. “We need to equip our security agencies considering the global trend. Wars are everywhere, and we must be well-prepared because we cannot predict what will happen tomorrow,” he said.
While acknowledging that Nigeria currently enjoys relatively stable and peaceful relations with neighbouring countries, Alobi cautioned against complacency, noting that such favourable conditions could change unexpectedly. “We are lucky to have friendly neighbours, but we should not take that for granted. We need to be proactive and ready for any eventuality,” he added.
He also highlighted the growing importance of technological advancement in security operations, pointing out that modern threats require modern tools and strategies. “Technology is very important. While we continue to combat terrorism, militancy, and violent crimes, adopting advanced technology will add significant value to our efforts,” Alobi said.