Nigerian Celebrities Transition to U.S. Military Service

In a notable trend, four Nigerian celebrities have transitioned from their acting careers to enlist in the U.S. military. Joseph Momodu, who completed basic combat training in April 2026, is recognized as the first male Nollywood actor to publicly announce his enlistment.

He cited honoring his late father's legacy, who served in the Nigerian police force. Princess Chinek enlisted in December 2024 and has relocated to the United States, expressing pride in serving the country she calls home.

Mayowa Dosu, known for films like "Fear" and "Mamami," joined the U.S. Army in 2024, describing her enlistment as a new chapter in her life.

Grace Chari Bassei, formerly known as Belinda Effah, enlisted in the U.S. Navy in May 2025 and became an American citizen after completing boot camp.

Each of these actors has shared their motivations for this significant career shift, emphasizing personal and familial connections to military service.