SR
Nigeria and other African countries may face heightened security risks due to limited access to modern weapons, according to a new report by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute.
The report revealed that Africa accounted for just 4.5 per cent of global arms imports in 2024 and 2025, significantly lower than Europe’s 48.2 per cent share.
The data tracks the volume of international transfers of major weapons systems, including military aid, sales, and licensed production, rather than their monetary value.
Security experts warn that the disparity in arms acquisition could weaken the ability of African countries to respond effectively to growing threats such as terrorism, insurgency, and transnational crimes.
Across the continent, total arms imports stood at about 3.095 billion in volume terms, with Egypt emerging as the largest importer, followed by Morocco and Algeria.
Nigeria recorded approximately 114 million in arms imports, representing about 0.2 per cent of global imports during the period under review.
The report also noted a decline in Nigeria’s arms imports, dropping from about 93 million in 2024 to 21 million in 2025.
On the global stage, Europe dominated arms imports, with countries like Ukraine, Poland, Germany, and the United Kingdom accounting for a large share, largely driven by ongoing geopolitical conflicts.
The United States remained the world’s leading arms exporter, accounting for about 43 per cent of global exports, followed by France and Russia.
Reacting to the report, security analysts urged Nigeria and other African nations to invest in local weapons production and reduce dependence on foreign suppliers.
A retired Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Wilson Inalegwu, described the situation as an opportunity for Africa to develop self-reliance in defence production and technological innovation.
He warned that reliance on external sources for military equipment could expose countries to vulnerabilities, especially during global conflicts or diplomatic tensions.
Another security expert, Lawrence Alobi, emphasised the need for Nigeria to equip its security agencies adequately and adopt advanced technologies to address evolving threats.
He noted that proactive investment in security infrastructure is essential to maintaining stability and responding effectively to future challenges.
The report revealed that Africa accounted for just 4.5 per cent of global arms imports in 2024 and 2025, significantly lower than Europe’s 48.2 per cent share.
The data tracks the volume of international transfers of major weapons systems, including military aid, sales, and licensed production, rather than their monetary value.
Security experts warn that the disparity in arms acquisition could weaken the ability of African countries to respond effectively to growing threats such as terrorism, insurgency, and transnational crimes.
Across the continent, total arms imports stood at about 3.095 billion in volume terms, with Egypt emerging as the largest importer, followed by Morocco and Algeria.
Nigeria recorded approximately 114 million in arms imports, representing about 0.2 per cent of global imports during the period under review.
The report also noted a decline in Nigeria’s arms imports, dropping from about 93 million in 2024 to 21 million in 2025.
On the global stage, Europe dominated arms imports, with countries like Ukraine, Poland, Germany, and the United Kingdom accounting for a large share, largely driven by ongoing geopolitical conflicts.
The United States remained the world’s leading arms exporter, accounting for about 43 per cent of global exports, followed by France and Russia.
Reacting to the report, security analysts urged Nigeria and other African nations to invest in local weapons production and reduce dependence on foreign suppliers.
A retired Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Wilson Inalegwu, described the situation as an opportunity for Africa to develop self-reliance in defence production and technological innovation.
He warned that reliance on external sources for military equipment could expose countries to vulnerabilities, especially during global conflicts or diplomatic tensions.
Another security expert, Lawrence Alobi, emphasised the need for Nigeria to equip its security agencies adequately and adopt advanced technologies to address evolving threats.
He noted that proactive investment in security infrastructure is essential to maintaining stability and responding effectively to future challenges.
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Oyebade Oluwatobiloba
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