The Nigerian military is divided into three branches: the Army, Navy, and Air Force. Each branch has its own rank structure and symbols, which are used to denote a person’s authority and level within the military. Below is a table of the ranks and their corresponding symbols for each branch.
Nigerian Army Ranks & Symbols
| Rank |
Symbol/Insignia |
| Field Marshal |
Five-star insignia (highest military rank) |
| General |
Four stars, shoulder epaulettes |
| Lieutenant General |
Three stars, shoulder epaulettes |
| Major General |
Two stars, shoulder epaulettes |
| Brigadier General |
One star, shoulder epaulettes |
| Colonel |
Eagle with crown and one star |
| Lieutenant Colonel |
Eagle with one star |
| Major |
Eagle with no star |
| Captain |
Two stars on epaulette |
| Lieutenant |
One star on epaulette |
| Second Lieutenant |
One silver bar |
| Warrant Officer Class 1 |
Golden eagle with a crown |
| Warrant Officer Class 2 |
Golden eagle without a crown |
| Sergeant Major |
Two gold stripes with a crown |
| Sergeant |
Three chevrons |
| Corporal |
Two chevrons |
| Lance Corporal |
One chevron |
| Private |
No insignia (new recruits) |
Nigerian Navy Ranks & Symbols
| Rank |
Symbol/Insignia |
| Admiral |
Four-star flag, epaulettes |
| Vice Admiral |
Three-star flag, epaulettes |
| Rear Admiral |
Two-star flag, epaulettes |
| Commodore |
One-star flag, epaulettes |
| Captain |
One gold star on epaulettes |
| Commander |
Silver anchor on epaulettes |
| Lieutenant Commander |
One silver anchor on epaulettes |
| Lieutenant |
One silver bar on epaulettes |
| Sub-Lieutenant |
One gold bar on epaulettes |
| Warrant Officer 1 |
One golden anchor with a crown |
| Warrant Officer 2 |
One golden anchor |
| Petty Officer |
Three chevrons on sleeve |
| Leading Seaman |
Two chevrons on sleeve |
| Able Seaman |
One chevron on sleeve |
| Seaman |
No insignia (new recruits) |
Nigerian Air Force Ranks & Symbols
| Rank |
Symbol/Insignia |
| Marshal of the Nigerian Air Force |
Five-star insignia (highest rank) |
| Air Chief Marshal |
Four stars, shoulder epaulettes |
| Air Marshal |
Three stars, shoulder epaulettes |
| Air Vice Marshal |
Two stars, shoulder epaulettes |
| Air Commodore |
One star, shoulder epaulettes |
| Group Captain |
Eagle and wings on epaulette |
| Wing Commander |
Eagle and wings with no star |
| Squadron Leader |
One star with eagle on epaulette |
| Flight Lieutenant |
One star on epaulette |
| Flying Officer |
One silver bar on epaulette |
| Pilot Officer |
No insignia (new recruits) |
| Warrant Officer |
One eagle with a crown |
| Sergeant |
Three chevrons on sleeve |
| Corporal |
Two chevrons on sleeve |
| Aircraftman |
One chevron on sleeve |
| Leading Aircraftman |
No insignia (new recruits) |
FAQ
Q1: What is the highest rank in the Nigerian Army?
The highest rank in the Nigerian Army is Field Marshal, although it is largely ceremonial.
Q2: What rank does a new recruit hold in the Nigerian Army?
A new recruit in the Nigerian Army holds the rank of Private.
Q3: How are military ranks indicated in the Nigerian Navy?
In the Nigerian Navy, ranks are usually indicated by the number of stars or insignia worn on the epaulette.
Q4: What rank do pilots hold in the Nigerian Air Force?
Pilots in the Nigerian Air Force typically hold the rank of Flying Officer or Pilot Officer, depending on their level of experience and training.
Q5: Can Warrant Officers serve in any branch of the Nigerian military?
Yes, Warrant Officers serve in both the Army, Navy, and Air Force, each with a specific role in the military hierarchy.
Conclusion
The rank and insignia system within the Nigerian Army, Navy, and Air Force reflects the level of authority and responsibility each member has within the military structure. These ranks are fundamental to the military hierarchy and help to ensure proper command, discipline, and operational structure across all branches of the Nigerian Armed Forces.
