Reactions have continued to trail a viral video showing a Nigerian soldier recording a selfie video alongside members of a United States Army team recently deployed to Nigeria.
On February 3, 2026, the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) confirmed that a small team of U.S. military specialists had been deployed to Nigeria. The announcement marked the first official acknowledgment in several years of American forces operating on the ground in the country, primarily to support efforts against insurgency.
Video Shared on Social Media
The video, shared on X (formerly Twitter) by a user identified as @Pressman2040, shows a Nigerian soldier alongside the U.S. military personnel shortly after their arrival. The post quickly gained attention, sparking widespread discussion among social media users.
The caption accompanying the video read:
“We lead and they follow.
For the love of Nigeria and her citizens.
#ThankASoldier #ForGodAndCountryAlways #GodBlessEverySoldier”
The statement drew mixed reactions from netizens, with some praising the confidence expressed, while others questioned the nature and extent of the U.S. military’s involvement.
Mixed Reactions From Netizens
Reacting to the post, @lionel_nyam wrote, “We lead & they follow. I no understand.”
In response, @Pressman2040 clarified the situation, stating that Nigerian forces remain in control of operations on the ground.
“On ground, we know the terrain. Their role is to assist with intelligence while we move in and neutralise them as quickly as possible,” he explained.
Another user, @EkeminiUmoh20, asked if it was true that U.S. soldiers were currently in Nigeria. @Pressman2040 replied that they were present in limited numbers and primarily supporting intelligence-gathering efforts.
However, not all reactions were supportive. @Youngman147 expressed skepticism, arguing that the United States typically offers support only when a country is already gaining the upper hand.
“The U.S. usually comes in when a country is already sustaining the offensive. They later claim the glory when victory comes, but if things go wrong, they accuse the country of sabotage,” the user opined.
Ongoing Public Discourse
The video and subsequent comments have reignited public conversations around foreign military involvement, national sovereignty, and the role of international partnerships in addressing Nigeria’s security challenges.
As discussions continue online, official authorities have maintained that the U.S. presence is limited and strictly advisory, focused on intelligence and strategic support rather than direct combat operations.
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