Coup D’état: Comparing Nigeria and Niger Republic’s military strength, 5 facts you should know

Nigeria and Niger Republic

Nigeria and the Republic of Niger might lock horns a couple of weeks from now if a peace accord is not met in due time.

On Wednesday, July 26, General Abdourahamane Tchiani overthrew President Mohammed Bazoum in a bloodless that has been heavily criticised in many parts of the world.

ECOWAS, on the other hand, has made attempts to reach a resolution of peace with the military juntas in Niger and all to no avail.

Chairman of ECOWAS and President of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has already reached out to the Senate for approval to carry out military intervention.

In this short piece, five critical factors have been analyzed if Niger and Nigerian were to engage in military combat.

1. Military Ranking

According to Global Firepower rankings of 2023, the Nigerian military is ranked 36 globally, while the Nigerian army ranks 119. Nigeria is ranked number four on the African Scene, and Niger is ranked number 25.

2. Military Personnel

Nigeria's total military personnel is 215,000, with an active personnel of 135,000. Nigeria has more than 85,000 personnel fit for service and 80,000 paramilitaries.

Meanwhile, Niger Republic can only boast of 13,000 military personnel, which is not up to 15 per cent of the Nigerian army personnel.

Niger has an active personnel of just 10,000 and zero reserves.

3. Defence Budget

Regarding finances, Niger is no match for Nigeria as its defence budget supersedes its West African neighbour.

Nigeria has a defence budget of over $3 billion, while its West African neighbour Niger has a defence budget of just $287 million. Nigeria's purchasing power parity is over $1 trillion, while that of Niger is just $28 billion.

4. Armed Artillery

As of 2023, Nigeria has 177 tanks, while Niger has zero. Nigeria has 15,748 armoured vehicles, while Niger has just 728.

Nigeria's self-propelled artillery is 30 now, while Niger has none.

Similarly, Nigeria's towed artillery is 338, while Niger has none. Nigeria's rocket projectors are 37, while Niger has none.

5. Air Power

Nigeria has 144 combat aircraft, comprising 14 fighter jets, 28 trainer jets, 52 helicopters, six special mission jets and others.

On the part of the Republic of Niger, they have just 16 military aircraft.