**Abstract**

This work looked at the issue of sidelobe level associated with antenna array and the challenge, providing a way that the issue and challenge can be overcome. Different authors have used different techniques in trying to find solutions to the problems in antenna array. This research work considered enhanced firefly algorithm and genetic algorithm as techniques or methods in addressing the issues in antenna array, such as side lobe level reduction. The work has shown that enhanced firefly algorithm (EFA) performs better than genetic algorithm (GA) in optimizing side lobe level of antenna array without any serious effect on the beam width. The best side lobe level obtained while using enhanced firefly was (32.5 dB) compared to the value of (20.0 dB) obtained with genetic algorithm. It was also found that tilting beam towards the direction of end fire, genetic algorithm optimization technique can be used to reasonably reduce the level of side lobe in array antennas. It was also found from this research work that reducing the number of active elements in an antenna array by way of turning OFF some elements can be used to improve performance of the array.

**Keywords:** antenna array, array factor, wireless communication, firefly algorithm, SLL
