The Nigerian Presidency has forcefully dismissed a viral social media video that falsely claimed United States military forces had arrived in Bonny Island, Rivers State. The controversial footage sparked widespread online debate before being officially labeled as misinformation by presidential authorities.
False Video Sparks Online Panic
On November 6, 2025, a social media user identified as Spaghetti Mafia (@italian_Spencer) posted footage on X platform claiming it showed US Army troops landing on Bonny Island in Rivers State. The post included a dramatic caption referencing former US President Donald Trump, suggesting the alleged military movement was connected to recent tensions between Nigeria and the United States.
The video quickly gained traction across various social media platforms, generating significant concern and speculation among Nigerian internet users. Many expressed alarm about the potential implications of foreign military presence on Nigerian soil without official authorization.
Presidential Aide Issues Swift Denial
In response to the spreading misinformation, DO Olusegun, Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Social Media, issued a direct rebuttal. The presidential aide responded directly to the viral thread, stating unequivocally: "This is false".
The swift response from the Presidency aimed to curb the spread of false information and reassure the public that no unauthorized military arrival had occurred. The denial came as part of ongoing efforts by the Tinubu administration to maintain transparency and counter misinformation circulating online.
Background: Trump's Threats Against Nigeria
The viral video emerged against the backdrop of recent tensions between Nigeria and the United States. In early November 2025, former US President Donald Trump issued strong warnings to Nigeria regarding alleged Christian persecution in the country.
Trump had accused the Nigerian government of failing to prevent attacks on Christian communities and threatened to cut off all American aid. He designated Nigeria as a "Country of Particular Concern" and warned of potential military action, stating he had instructed the Pentagon to prepare for intervention against Islamic terrorists operating in the region.
The Nigerian government has consistently rejected these claims, maintaining that terrorist groups like Boko Haram target Nigerians of all faiths. President Tinubu responded to Trump's remarks by asserting that Nigeria "will not be intimidated" by external pressure while emphasizing the country's sovereignty.
Growing Concern Over Social Media Misinformation
This incident has reignited discussions about the dangerous spread of unverified content on social media platforms. The convincing nature of the fake video to some viewers underscores the importance of fact-checking and seeking official confirmation before sharing potentially inflammatory content.
The Nigerian government's prompt response demonstrates an increasing awareness of the need for rapid official communication to counter misinformation that could potentially incite panic or undermine national security.
International reactions to the broader tensions have been mixed, with China publicly supporting Nigeria's sovereignty and describing the country as a "Country of Honor" during the 2025 China International Import Expo. The Chinese Embassy praised Nigeria's growing role in global trade and expressed solidarity with the West African nation amid the diplomatic challenges.
