Nigerian Army Ranks and Symbols/Insignia (Updated)

Nigerian Army Ranks and Symbols/Insignia (Updated 2026)

The Nigerian Army is one of the three branches of the Nigerian Armed Forces and plays a vital role in defending the nation’s territorial integrity, maintaining internal security, and supporting peacekeeping missions across the world.

Just like other military organizations, the Nigerian Army operates under a structured ranking system, and each rank is represented by a unique insignia or symbol. These insignias show authority, responsibility, and level of command.

This updated 2026 guide explains all Nigerian Army ranks and their corresponding symbols/insignias, grouped into Commissioned Officers and Non-Commissioned Officers.

🪖 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 (From Highest to Lowest)

1. Field Marshal (Five Stars)
   • Symbol/Insignia: Five golden stars arranged in a circle around the Nigerian coat of arms.
   • Notes: This is the ceremonial or honorary rank, rarely held in Nigeria.
2. General (Four Stars)
   • Symbol/Insignia: A golden eagle above a crossed sword and baton with four stars below.
   • Position: Chief of Army Staff or top-level defense commander.
3. Lieutenant General (Three Stars)
   • Symbol/Insignia: Eagle above a crossed sword and baton with three stars below.
   • Role: Usually the Corps Commander or Principal Staff Officer at the Defence Headquarters.
4. 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.
5. Brigadier General (One Star)
   • Symbol/Insignia: Eagle above a crossed sword and baton with one star below.
   • Role: Brigade Commander or senior administrative head.
6. Colonel
   • Symbol/Insignia: Eagle above a crossed sword and baton only (no star).
   • Role: Battalion or Regiment Commander.
7. Lieutenant Colonel
   • Symbol/Insignia: One silver star above a crossed sword and baton.
   • Role: Deputy Commander or Executive Officer of a battalion.
8. Major
   • Symbol/Insignia: Golden eagle only.
   • Role: Company Commander or Staff Officer.
9. Captain
   • Symbol/Insignia: Three silver stars arranged horizontally.
   • Role: Officer commanding a company or administrative section.
10. Lieutenant

• Symbol/Insignia: Two silver stars arranged horizontally.
• Role: Platoon Commander.

11. Second Lieutenant

• Symbol/Insignia: One silver star.
• Role: Entry-level commissioned officer, usually fresh from the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA).

🪖 2. 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 Ranks (From Highest to Lowest)

1. Warrant Officer Class I (WO I)
   • Symbol/Insignia: The Nigerian Coat of Arms.
   • Role: Senior administrative or regimental non-commissioned officer.
2. Warrant Officer Class II (WO II)
   • Symbol/Insignia: The Nigerian eagle.
   • Role: Assistant to senior officers; supervises junior soldiers.
3. Staff Sergeant
   • Symbol/Insignia: Three chevrons (inverted “V” shapes) with a Nigerian eagle above.
   • Role: Commands a small section or assists the sergeant in larger groups.
4. Sergeant
   • Symbol/Insignia: Three chevrons.
   • Role: Leads a squad of about 10 soldiers.
5. Corporal
   • Symbol/Insignia: Two chevrons.
   • Role: Second-in-command to the sergeant.
6. Lance Corporal
   • Symbol/Insignia: One chevron.
   • Role: Assists the corporal and leads a small fire team.
7. Private Soldier
   • Symbol/Insignia: No insignia.
   • Role: Basic enlisted soldier; carries out orders.
8. Recruit
   • Symbol/Insignia: None (still in training).
   • Role: Undergoing military training before being confirmed as a private soldier.

⚔️ Summary Table of Nigerian Army Ranks and Symbols (2026)

🎯 Conclusion

The Nigerian Army maintains a clear and respected rank structure that defines the level of authority and responsibility each officer holds.

The symbols and insignias serve as a quick visual guide to distinguish ranks and positions during operations, parades, and official duties.

Understanding these ranks helps both serving officers and civilians recognize the hierarchy within the Nigerian Army — a key part of military discipline and honor.