By Onyekachi Victoria Philip
Nollywood actor Joseph Momodu has officially enlisted in the United States Army, after successfully completing 10 weeks of Basic Combat Training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri.
The actor announced the achievement on Friday through his social media page, revealing that his absence from the public over the past 10 weeks was due to the rigorous military training.
He confirmed that he has now earned the rank of Specialist (SPC) and is serving with the 1st Platoon, Charlie Company, 3-10, 3rd Battalion, 10th Infantry Regiment.
Momodu described the training as one of the most demanding periods of his life, saying it tested both his physical and mental endurance.
He explained that the journey was built on resilience, discipline, long days, sleepless nights, and determination to push beyond his limits despite moments of self-doubt.
The actor also revealed that his decision to join the military was deeply personal. He dedicated the achievement to the memory of his late father, who served in the Nigeria Police Force before passing away two decades ago.
According to him, enlisting in the U.S. Army was a way of continuing his father’s legacy of service. He also expressed gratitude to God for helping him pass the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) examination on his first attempt and successfully complete the training.
In his words:
From inception, I have always believed in achievements earned through merit, which is why I constantly push myself beyond limits.
This particular one was forged through tears, fear of failure, resilience, endless days, short nights, fatigue, rain, and the scorching sun.
There were moments of doubt and times I questioned myself, “who send me message sef”? But I never lost sight of the finish line.
We trained tirelessly, were broken down and rebuilt. I went to sleep a civilian and woke up a soldier.
Ten weeks of being incommunicado. Ten weeks of learning to find comfort in discomfort.
On April 12, 2026, I honored my late father in a historic way. 20 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.
Today, it is official: Specialist (SPC) J.A. Momodu, United States Army @usarmy , 1st Platoon, Charlie Company, 3-10, 3rd Battalion, 10th Infantry Regiment, Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri.
I dedicate this achievement first to God Almighty for the grace to pass my ASVAB on the first attempt and successfully complete Basic Combat Training. Secondly, to my late father, whose legacy I proudly uphold. And finally, to the Royal Family of Oba Momodu II, the Avyuele Clan, Agbede, Etsako West, Edo State.
Special appreciation to @akeemogara for expertly managing my social media throughout this journey, and to the US Army Recruiting Station, Burbank, California, for making the transition seamless. @frias2114 @ssg_caballero_lillian @ssg_russell_recruits
This chapter is written. The next one begins now
Who is Joseph Momodu?
Joseph Momodu, born Abubakar Sadiq Momodu, is a Nigerian actor who built a successful career in Nollywood over more than a decade before relocating to the United States.
He is known for his roles in films such as Coming to Nigeria, Play 2 Kill, and A Fool for Trust, as well as appearances in popular television series including Tinsel, Soul Sisters, and The Johnsons.
He also gained wider recognition after appearing in Simi’s “Joromi” music video. Momodu is a two-time Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA) Best Body Male winner, receiving the honour in 2018 and 2019. His enlistment into the U.S. Army makes him one of the few Nigerian actors to transition from Nollywood into military service in the United States.