Nollywood actor Joseph Momodu enlists in the U.S. Army

By Enitan Abdultawab

Nollywood actor Joseph Momodu announced that he has joined the United States Army, describing the enlistment as a tribute to his late father and the culmination of months of rigorous physical and mental preparation.

The actor posted the news on his official Instagram account on Friday, revealing that he completed ten weeks of Basic Combat Training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, before being officially enlisted as a Specialist in the U.S. Army.

Reflecting on the journey, Momodu said the achievement was earned through perseverance, sacrifice and determination.

“From inception, I have always believed in achievements earned through merit, which is why I constantly push myself beyond limits,” he wrote.

He added that the training period tested him in ways he had never imagined, involving “tears, fear of failure, resilience, endless days, short nights, fatigue, rain, and the scorching sun.”

The actor admitted that there were moments when he doubted himself but remained focused on completing the program.

“There were moments of doubt and times I questioned myself, ‘who sent me message sef’? But I never lost sight of the finish line,” he said.

Momodu further revealed that the experience transformed him completely.

“We trained tirelessly, were broken down and rebuilt. I went to sleep a civilian and woke up a soldier,” he wrote, adding that the ten‑week program taught him to “find comfort in discomfort.”

The actor disclosed that his enlistment carried special emotional significance because it allowed him to continue a family legacy.

“On April 12, 2026, I honored my late father in a historic way. Twenty years after his passing, I picked up the baton where he left off in the Nigerian Police Force and carried it forward by getting enlisted into the United States Army,” he stated.

Momodu announced that he is now officially Specialist (SPC) J.A. Momodu of the United States Army, serving with 1st Platoon, Charlie Company, 3-10, 3rd Battalion, 10th Infantry Regiment, Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri.

He dedicated the milestone to God, his late father and the Royal Family of Oba Momodu II of the Avyuele Clan in Agbede, Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State.

The actor also expressed gratitude to the U.S. Army Recruiting Station in Burbank, California, for facilitating his transition, as well as to associate Akeem Ogara for managing his social media accounts throughout the training period.