A Nigerian man's social media post has ignited a fiery online debate after he made controversial claims about the roles of his compatriots serving in the United States Army. The discussion comes at a sensitive time, as former US President Donald Trump's threats of potential military action in Nigeria continue to stir public anxiety.
Viral Allegations Spark Heated Debate
The individual, posting on the platform X (formerly Twitter) under the handle @naijashimadunnn, expressed strong criticism of Nigerian men who he says boast online about their service in the US military. In a post that has since gone viral, he alleged that many of these individuals hold non-combat positions, far removed from the front lines.
"I just dey laugh, many of these Nigerian guys way be Yankee army way dey come online dey brag, many of them na mechanic for army o, their job no pass to work on engines o," he wrote in a mix of English and Nigerian Pidgin. He further stated that their duties have nothing to do with the war front, yet they "dey use Naija flex muscle."
Mixed Reactions Flood Social Media
The post, published in early November 2025, quickly attracted a flood of comments from Nigerians with diverse viewpoints. While some users supported the criticism, many others defended the honor and value of all military roles.
User @DurojaiyeSegun countered, "A mechanic in the US Army is equivalent to a major general in the Nigerian Army. Learn and relearn this!" This sentiment highlights a perceived disparity in the value and resources accorded to military personnel in different countries.
Another user, @Ohijeme, criticized the underlying mentality, stating, "This mentality is why we don’t make progress in Nigeria. Looking down on people’s jobs. We like titles well well." Others, like @tyexploit, pointed out the rigorous training all soldiers undergo, regardless of their eventual specialization, asking if the critic was aware that they enroll for specific departments after basic military training.
Broader Context of Trump's Threats
This online spat is not happening in a vacuum. It follows serious statements from former US President Donald Trump, who threatened to take "major action" against the Nigerian government over allegations of genocide. He specifically raised the possibility of sending US troops to Nigeria to combat the terrorist group Boko Haram.
Amid these geopolitical tensions, the conversation started by @naijashimadunnn touches on deeper issues of national pride, the perception of military service, and the diaspora's connection to its homeland. The situation was further amplified by a report from a Nigerian peacekeeper, Falegan Opeyemi David of Ekiti, who vowed he would resign from his UN post rather than participate in any action against Nigeria, underscoring the complex loyalties at play.
As the post continues to trend, it has become a lightning rod for discussing the value of work, the structure of modern militaries, and the pride Nigerians take in their global citizens, regardless of their specific profession.
