A viral video showing United States (US) troops allegedly arriving in Nigeria has gone viral on social media, sparking panic among Nigerians.

The footage, posted on November 6 by an X (formerly Twitter) user identified as Spaghetti Mafia (@italian_Spencer), claimed that the US Army had landed in Bonny Island, Rivers State.

The post caption read: “Breaking News: US Army lands in Bonny Island, Rivers State!! Donald Trump wasn’t playing around.”

The post quickly gained traction, amassing thousands of views and comments, sparking panic among Nigerians who believed the US military had landed in the country.

In a swift response, the Nigerian Presidency has debunked the viral claim, describing the video as false and misleading.

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DQv1kgnCEom/?igsh=MTAyYWpta3g0bWRvcw==

D.O. Olusegun, the Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Social Media, replied directly under the viral post, stating, “This is false.”

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant-General Waidi Shaibu, has instructed troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) to gear up for a pivotal phase in Nigeria’s fight against Boko Haram and ISWAP in the North-east.

Speaking to soldiers at the OPHK headquarters in Maiduguri, Borno State, on Friday, Shaibu emphasized that the Nigerian Army is entering a decisive stage of the counter-insurgency campaign, asserting that “failure is not an option.”

“You have been training to defeat the terrorists disturbing the North-east. This time, you are going to do it differently. All combat enablers have been provided. New platforms have been introduced all to ensure your success,” he said.

Shaibu noted that this phase would be spearheaded by a new generation of soldiers, encouraging them to build on and surpass the accomplishments of previous troops who served on both national and international missions.

The army chief’s remarks shows a sense of urgency, as intelligence indicates that Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters, while weakened, are regrouping around the Lake Chad axis and taking advantage of porous borders.

Military experts warn that any delay in the planned offensive could undermine recent successes amid rising regional instability and intensified extremist propaganda.

Shaibu revealed that seasoned officers have been deployed to the theatre and that troops now have access to new equipment and modern technologies to aid operations.

He also reassured soldiers that their welfare remains a key priority. “From improved ration and prompt payment of allowances to enhanced medical care, we will continue to improve on your well-being,” he stated.

The army chief added that investments are being made in housing and education for soldiers’ children, emphasizing, “We will ensure your children attend the best schools our command and Army children’s schools.”

During his two-day operational visit to Maiduguri, Shaibu visited injured soldiers at the 7 Division Medical Specialists Hospital, inspected repaired armoured vehicles and the Nigerian Army Aviation/TB2 Armed Drone Hangar, commissioned new troop transit accommodation, and paid a courtesy call on the Shehu of Borno.

The leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu, has declared that he can’t be convicted without a written law.

Kanu vented his anger after his trial proceeding at the Abuja Federal High Court on Friday.

The visibly angry Biafra agitator insisted that nobody can dare to convict him.

Kanu is currently facing terrorism-related charges before Justice James Omotosho-led court.

The IPOB leader had vented his anger when he insisted that the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act on which he is standing trial before the court had been repealed, hence there are no valid charges against him.

This followed his refusal to open his defense despite the prosecution concluding it’s case.

Against his refusal to enter his defense, Justice Omotosho had fixed November 20 to deliver judgement in Kanu’s trial which has linger for 10 years.

Reacting in open court, Kanu said: “You can’t convict me without a written law. Are you insane, it’s not possible, nobody can, I’m Nnamdi Kanu, who is going to try it?”