In this post, I’ll show you the complete list of army ranks and symbols in Nigeria in 2025.

If you’ve ever asked questions like What are the ranks in the Nigerian Army?, What do the symbols on army uniforms mean?, or Who is the highest-ranking officer in the Nigerian Army?, then you’re in the right place.

Whether you’re curious about how the Nigerian Army works, planning to join the military, or just want to know more about the men and women who defend Nigeria, this guide is for you.

I’ll break down the list of army ranks and symbols in Nigeria in a very simple and clear way, so you can understand it easily, even if you know nothing about the army before now.

What is the Nigerian Army?

Before we get into the ranks and symbols, let’s talk briefly about the Nigerian Army itself.

The Nigerian Army is the largest part of the Nigerian Armed Forces. It is responsible for protecting the country from external and internal threats, maintaining peace, and supporting civil authorities during emergencies.

The Nigerian Army was founded in 1960 after Nigeria gained independence. Since then, it has grown into a strong and respected force with thousands of soldiers stationed all over Nigeria and even on international peacekeeping missions.

Think of the Nigerian Army like a big organization with many levels of leadership. The ranks and symbols show who is in charge and what each soldier’s role is. Now let’s explore those ranks one by one.

Why Knowing the List of Army Ranks and Symbols in Nigeria is Important

You might wonder, Why should I care about the ranks and symbols in the army?

Here are some good reasons:

• Respect and Courtesy: Knowing the ranks helps you know how to address soldiers properly.

• Career Planning: If you want to join the army, this shows you the path of promotion.

• Understanding Authority: You’ll know who makes decisions and who follows orders.

• General Knowledge: It’s part of learning about how Nigeria’s security forces work.

The Nigerian Army Rank Structure

The ranks in the Nigerian Army are divided into two main categories:

1. Non-commissioned officers (NCOs): These are the junior ranks.

2. Commissioned officers: These are the senior ranks.

Below is the complete list of army ranks and symbols in Nigeria, starting from the lowest to the highest.

Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs) – Junior Ranks

These are the foundation of the army. They carry out the instructions of senior officers.

1. Recruit

• Symbol: None

• Description: This is the entry-level position for new soldiers in training.

• Example: Like a first-year student learning the basics.

2. Private

• Symbol: None

• Description: The lowest rank of trained soldiers. They follow orders and carry out tasks.

• Example: Like a new employee following instructions.

3. Lance Corporal

• Symbol: One chevron (V-shaped stripe)

• Description: Slightly higher than a private. They lead small teams of privates.

• Example: Like a team leader in a small department.

4. Corporal

• Symbol: Two chevrons

• Description: More experienced, can lead larger groups and take more responsibility.

• Example: Like a supervisor.

5. Sergeant

• Symbol: Three chevrons

• Description: Supervises corporals and privates, responsible for discipline and performance.

• Example: Like a senior supervisor managing a whole team.

6. Staff Sergeant

• Symbol: Three chevrons with a Nigerian Coat of Arms above

• Description: Senior non-commissioned officer. Assists commissioned officers in managing troops.

• Example: Like a senior manager in a company.

7. Warrant Officer Class Two (WOII)

• Symbol: Nigerian Coat of Arms

• Description: Experienced NCO, helps in administration and discipline of soldiers.

• Example: Like an assistant head of department.

8. Warrant Officer Class One (WOI)

• Symbol: Nigerian Coat of Arms with a laurel wreath

• Description: Highest NCO rank. Acts as senior adviser to commissioned officers.

• Example: Like a chief adviser to senior management.

Commissioned Officers – Senior Ranks

These officers hold command positions and make decisions at higher levels.

9. Second Lieutenant

• Symbol: One star

• Description: The lowest commissioned officer rank. Leads platoons (30–40 soldiers).

• Example: Like a junior manager.

10. Lieutenant

• Symbol: Two stars

• Description: Commands more troops than a Second Lieutenant.

• Example: Like a mid-level manager.

11. Captain

• Symbol: Three stars

• Description: Leads a company of soldiers (about 100–200 troops).

• Example: Like a department head.

12. Major

• Symbol: Nigerian Coat of Arms

• Description: Senior officer, second-in-command of a battalion.

• Example: Like a deputy director.

13. Lieutenant Colonel

• Symbol: One star with the Nigerian Coat of Arms

• Description: Commands a battalion (about 300–1,000 soldiers).

• Example: Like a director.

14. Colonel

• Symbol: Two stars with the Nigerian Coat of Arms

• Description: Commands a brigade (several battalions).

• Example: Like a regional director.

15. Brigadier General

• Symbol: Three stars with the Nigerian Coat of Arms

• Description: Commands a brigade or serves as deputy to a Major General.

• Example: Like a vice president of a company.

16. Major General

• Symbol: Crossed sword and baton with one star and Nigerian Coat of Arms

• Description: Commands a division (thousands of soldiers).

• Example: Like a senior vice president.

17. Lieutenant General

• Symbol: Crossed sword and baton with two stars and Nigerian Coat of Arms

• Description: Commands a corps or serves as deputy to the Chief of Army Staff.

• Example: Like an executive vice president.

18. General

• Symbol: Crossed sword and baton with three stars and Nigerian Coat of Arms

• Description: The highest standard army rank. Chief of Army Staff often holds this rank.

• Example: Like the CEO of a major corporation.

Summary Table: Army Ranks and Symbols in Nigeria (2025)

How to Recognize Army Ranks in Nigeria

You can identify a soldier’s rank by looking at their shoulders, sleeves, or chest, depending on the uniform.
Junior ranks wear their chevrons on the sleeves, while senior officers wear stars, coat of arms, and crossed sword-and-baton symbols on their shoulders.

Why the Army Rank Structure Matters

The rank structure helps maintain order, discipline, and clarity of authority in the Nigerian Army.
Each rank has defined duties and responsibilities, ensuring that tasks are carried out efficiently.

FAQs – Complete List of Army Ranks and Symbols in Nigeria

1. What is the highest rank in the Nigerian Army?

The highest rank in the Nigerian Army is General.

2. What rank comes after Private in the Nigerian Army?

The next rank after Private is Lance Corporal.

3. Do Nigerian soldiers get promoted regularly?

Yes. Promotions are based on years of service, performance, and available vacancies.

4. What do the stars on a soldier’s shoulder mean?

The stars represent the officer’s rank. More stars usually mean a higher rank.

5. Can I join the army with a secondary school certificate?

Yes. You can join as a recruit or cadet if you meet the requirements.

6. What is the meaning of the crossed sword and baton symbol?

It represents the senior-most ranks of the Nigerian Army (Major General and above).

7. Are the ranks the same in all Nigerian security forces?

No. The Nigerian Army, Navy, and Air Force have different rank structures.

8. How many soldiers does a General command?

A General oversees the entire Nigerian Army as Chief of Army Staff.

9. Who appoints the Chief of Army Staff?

The President of Nigeria appoints the Chief of Army Staff.

10. How long does it take to become an officer in the Nigerian Army?

It depends on education, training, and performance, but typically several years.

Conclusion

Understanding the complete list of army ranks and symbols in Nigeria helps you appreciate how the army is organized and how authority flows within the force.

From recruits to generals, each rank plays an important role in protecting Nigeria.
Whether you plan to join the army or just want to respect and recognize those in uniform, this guide gives you everything you need to know about their ranks and symbols.

Now you know what each army rank means, how to identify it, and what each officer does.
Keep this article as a reference — and feel free to share it with anyone who might find it helpful too.