The Nigerian Army, one of the three branches of the Nigerian Armed Forces, plays a crucial role in defending the nation’s territorial integrity, ensuring internal security, and contributing to peacekeeping operations both within and beyond Nigeria’s borders.
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Like other professional military organizations, the Nigerian Army follows a structured ranking system, with each rank represented by a distinct insignia or symbol. These insignias serve as visual markers of authority, responsibility, and command hierarchy within the force.
This comprehensive 2025 guide provides an up-to-date overview of all Nigerian Army ranks and their corresponding insignias, organized into two main categories: Commissioned Officers and Non-Commissioned Officers, making it easier to understand the chain of command and the roles associated with each rank.
1. Commissioned Officers
Commissioned officers are those who have received official training and commission from the President of Nigeria, who is the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces. They occupy leadership and command positions in the Army.
Commissioned Officer Ranks in the Nigerian Army (Highest to Lowest)
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Field Marshal (Five Stars)
Symbol/Insignia: Five golden stars arranged in a circle around the Nigerian coat of arms.
Notes: Ceremonial or honorary rank, rarely held in Nigeria. -
General (Four Stars)
Symbol/Insignia: Golden eagle above a crossed sword and baton with four stars below.
Position: Chief of Army Staff or top-level defense commander. -
Lieutenant General (Three Stars)
Symbol/Insignia: Eagle above a crossed sword and baton with three stars below.
Role: Typically serves as Corps Commander or Principal Staff Officer at the Defence Headquarters. -
Major General (Two Stars)
Symbol/Insignia: Eagle above a crossed sword and baton with two stars below.
Role: Division Commander or Director in the Army Headquarters.
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Brigadier General (One Star)
Symbol/Insignia: Eagle above a crossed sword and baton with one star below.
Role: Brigade Commander or senior administrative head. -
Colonel
Symbol/Insignia: Eagle above a crossed sword and baton, no star.
Role: Battalion or Regiment Commander. -
Lieutenant Colonel
Symbol/Insignia: One silver star above a crossed sword and baton.
Role: Deputy Commander or Executive Officer of a battalion. -
Major
Symbol/Insignia: Golden eagle only.
Role: Company Commander or Staff Officer. -
Captain
Symbol/Insignia: Three silver stars arranged horizontally.
Role: Officer commanding a company or administrative section. -
Lieutenant
Symbol/Insignia: Two silver stars arranged horizontally.
Role: Platoon Commander. -
Second Lieutenant
Symbol/Insignia: One silver star.
Role: Entry-level commissioned officer, usually a recent graduate from the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA).
Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs) and Enlisted Ranks
Non-commissioned officers are the backbone of the Army. They are experienced soldiers who provide discipline, training, and supervision to junior personnel.
Non-Commissioned Officer Ranks in the Nigerian Army (Highest to Lowest)
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Warrant Officer Class I (WO I)
Symbol/Insignia: The Nigerian Coat of Arms
Role: Senior administrative or regimental non-commissioned officer. -
Warrant Officer Class II (WO II)
Symbol/Insignia: The Nigerian eagle
Role: Assists senior officers and supervises junior soldiers. -
Staff Sergeant
Symbol/Insignia: Three inverted chevrons with a Nigerian eagle above
Role: Commands a small section or supports the sergeant in larger units. -
Sergeant
Symbol/Insignia: Three chevrons
Role: Leads a squad of approximately ten soldiers. -
Corporal
Symbol/Insignia: Two chevrons
Role: Acts as second-in-command to the sergeant. -
Lance Corporal
Symbol/Insignia: One chevron
Role: Assists the corporal and leads a small fire team. -
Private Soldier
Symbol/Insignia: None
Role: Basic enlisted soldier, carrying out orders and performing general duties. -
Recruit
Symbol/Insignia: None (under training)
Role: Undergoing initial military training before confirmation as a private soldier.
Summary Table of Nigerian Army Ranks and Symbols (2025)
| Category | Rank | Insignia Description |
|---|---|---|
| Commissioned Officer | General | Eagle, crossed sword & baton, four stars |
| Commissioned Officer | Lieutenant General | Eagle, crossed sword & baton, three stars |
| Commissioned Officer | Major General | Eagle, crossed sword & baton, two stars |
| Commissioned Officer | Brigadier General | Eagle, crossed sword & baton, one star |
| Commissioned Officer | Colonel | Eagle, crossed sword & baton |
| Commissioned Officer | Lieutenant Colonel | One silver star, crossed sword & baton |
| Commissioned Officer | Major | Eagle |
| Commissioned Officer | Captain | Three stars |
| Commissioned Officer | Lieutenant | Two stars |
| Commissioned Officer | Second Lieutenant | One star |
| NCO | Warrant Officer I | Nigerian Coat of Arms |
| NCO | Warrant Officer II | Nigerian Eagle |
| NCO | Staff Sergeant | Three chevrons with eagle above |
| NCO | Sergeant | Three chevrons |
| NCO | Corporal | Two chevrons |
| NCO | Lance Corporal | One chevron |
| NCO | Private Soldier | No insignia |
| NCO | Recruit | None (in training) |
The Nigerian Army upholds a well-defined and respected rank structure, clearly outlining the level of authority, responsibility, and command held by each officer. The distinctive symbols and insignias associated with each rank provide a quick visual reference, making it easy to identify positions during operations, parades, ceremonies, and official duties.
Familiarity with these ranks is important not only for serving officers but also for civilians, as it fosters a better understanding of the Army’s hierarchy, discipline, and traditions. Recognizing the chain of command is a key aspect of military order, efficiency, and the honor that comes with service in the Nigerian Army.