By Our Correspondent

National News – A growing shortage of modern military weapons across Africa could weaken the fight against terrorism and insurgency, according to new data released by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute.

The report shows that the continent accounts for only a small share of global arms imports, raising concerns about the ability of several African nations, including Nigeria, to effectively respond to security threats.

Figures published in March 2026 reveal that Africa represented just 4.5 per cent of global arms imports between 2024 and 2025, while Europe dominated the global market with 48.2 per cent.

The data tracks the transfer of major weapons systems, including military aid, licensed production, and international arms sales.

Across Africa, total arms imports stood at 3.095 billion in volume terms.

Egypt emerged as the continent’s largest importer with 825 million, followed by Morocco with 522 million and Algeria with 313 million.

Nigeria recorded a total of 114 million in arms imports during the period, representing only 0.2 per cent of global transfers.

The country also witnessed a significant decline in imports, dropping from 93 million in 2024 to just 21 million in 2025.

Other African countries with notable imports included Ethiopia with 111 million and Sudan with 107 million.

Angola, Kenya and Mauritania also contributed modest shares of around 0.2 per cent each.

Globally, Ukraine topped the arms import chart with 7.605 billion, accounting for 12 per cent of global imports as the war with Russia continues.

Poland ranked second with 3.711 billion, followed by Germany with 1.872 billion.

The United States, Greece, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom were also among the major arms importers.

On the export side, the United States remained the world’s leading arms supplier with 28 billion in transfers, representing 43 per cent of global exports.

France followed with 5.8 billion, while Russia recorded 4 billion in exports.

Germany and Israel also maintained strong positions among global arms exporters.

Security experts say the situation should encourage Nigeria and other African countries to invest in domestic weapons production, technological innovation and stronger defence infrastructure to reduce dependence on foreign suppliers.