Africa accounted for just 4.5 percent of global arms imports in 2024 and 2025, a fraction of Europe’s 48.2 percent share, according to new data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, raising fresh concerns about the continent’s ability to combat terrorism and insurgency.

The figures, published in March 2026, track the volume of international transfers of major weapons systems, covering sales, military aid and licensed production, rather than financial value.

Security analysts warn the continent’s limited access to modern weaponry weakens the capacity of African governments to respond to growing threats, including jihadist insurgency and transnational crime.

Nigeria’s arms imports in sharp decline

Nigeria recorded arms import volumes totaling 114 million over the two-year period, representing just 0.2 percent of global transfers.

More concerning, the country’s imports dropped from 93 million in 2024 to 21 million in 2025, a steep decline that analysts say leaves its security forces more exposed at a time of intensifying pressure from Boko Haram and other armed groups in the northeast.

Africa’s largest arms importer was Egypt, with a combined total of 825 million, followed by Morocco at 522 million and Algeria at 313 million. Ethiopia, Sudan, Angola, Kenya and Mauritania each posted moderate figures.

In contrast, Europe dominated global arms flows, recording a combined import volume of 30.916 billion, or 48.2 percent of all transfers.

Ukraine led all countries globally with 7.605 billion, reflecting sustained Western military support during its war with Russia.

Poland, Germany, the United States, Greece and the United Kingdom rounded out the top importers.

Experts call for domestic arms production

On the supply side, the United States remained the world’s leading arms exporter, accounting for 43 percent of global transfers, followed by France at 9.1 percent and Russia at 6.1 percent. Germany and Israel each accounted for 5.9 percent.

Retired Assistant Inspector-General of Police Wilson Inalegwu said the data presents Nigeria with an opportunity to build self-sufficiency in weapons manufacturing rather than deepen dependence on foreign suppliers.

“If this continues, it means we can just be cut off one day,” Inalegwu said. “Let us look inward, develop our steel sector, and invest in science and technology. That is what will give us the edge.”

He argued that modern security advantages increasingly derive from innovation rather than firepower alone, noting that smaller countries have gained strategic edges through technology-driven approaches to warfare.

Retired Commissioner of Police and security analyst Lawrence Alobi echoed that position, calling on the government to equip security agencies in line with current global realities.

“Wars are everywhere, and we must be well-prepared because we cannot predict what will happen tomorrow,” Alobi said, stressing that Nigeria’s currently stable relations with neighboring countries should not breed complacency.