The Senator representing Ondo South, Jimoh Ibrahim, has praised the Nigerian Armed Forces for their professionalism, endurance, and continuous efforts toward maintaining national security.
His commendation comes after Nigeria was ranked the 31st most powerful military in the world in the 2025 Global Firepower Report.
In a statement released online on Saturday, Ibrahim—who is also Nigeria’s ambassador-designate and the founder of the Institute for Security and Modern War Studies at the University of Fortune, Igbotako, Ondo State—said the Armed Forces have consistently demonstrated remarkable dedication despite the changing nature of security threats.
“The Nigerian Armed Forces have remained steadfast in their constitutional responsibility of safeguarding over 250 million Nigerians, even as security threats grow more dynamic and sophisticated,” he said.
The lawmaker observed that with an estimated troop strength of around 230,000 personnel and a defence budget of approximately $2bn annually—about one per cent of Nigeria’s GDP—the military has achieved significant milestones in counter-terrorism and internal security operations.
He said, “The successes recorded in counter-terrorism and internal security efforts are critical to preserving Nigeria’s sovereignty, internal cohesion and territorial integrity.”
Ibrahim also drew attention to Nigeria’s contributions outside its borders, citing peacekeeping and stabilisation efforts under the Economic Community of West African States in countries such as Liberia and Sierra Leone, as well as missions in Sudan, Mali, The Gambia and Guinea-Bissau.
“These interventions have consistently reinforced Nigeria’s standing as a stabilising force and a responsible security leader on the African continent,” he added.
He further referenced the 2025 Global Firepower Report, which placed Nigeria 31st globally and third in Africa, noting that the ranking reflects the growing strategic importance of the Armed Forces.
According to Ibrahim, recent gains in operational effectiveness and troop morale can be credited to the commitment of President Bola Tinubu, particularly regarding welfare and institutional backing for the military.
“As Nigeria approaches 2026, Nigerians must continue to stand firmly with the Armed Forces, whose sacrifices remain central to our peace, unity and stability, not only within our borders but across the African region,” he said.
