No, this claim is entirely fabricated and has no basis in reality. As of November 12, 2025, there is no record of U.S. President Donald Trump issuing any statement praising Lt. A. M. Yerima (a Nigerian army officer who went viral in October 2025 for confronting FCT Minister Nyesom Wike over traffic violations), let alone comparing him to Wike or appointing him to lead U.S.-backed operations against IPOB (Indigenous People of Biafra), Boko Haram, or ISWAP (Islamic State West Africa Province). The White House has not released any such announcement, and searches across official channels (e.g., White House briefings, State Department releases) yield zero matches.
Quick Context on the Mix-Up
This rumor seems to stem from satirical or exaggerated social media posts blending two unrelated stories:
- Yerima's Viral Moment: In late October 2025, Lt. Yerima became a Nigerian internet hero after a video showed him and his superior officer challenging Wike's convoy for allegedly blocking roads and intimidating civilians in Abuja. It sparked debates on power abuse, with some calling Yerima "more patriotic" than Wike (a common local jab at the minister's flashy style). No U.S. involvement.
- Trump's Nigeria Tensions: Trump has made headlines this week (November 1–3, 2025) threatening potential U.S. military action or aid cuts over alleged Christian persecution in Nigeria, citing Boko Haram and ISWAP attacks. He designated Nigeria a "Country of Particular Concern" for religious freedom violations, but focused on broad policy threats—no specific appointments or praise for Nigerian officers like Yerima.
If this was meant as satire (e.g., poking at Trump's "America First" rhetoric clashing with foreign ops), it's clever but misleading. Real U.S.-Nigeria security ties exist (e.g., joint counter-terrorism training), but nothing like this. Got a source for the "statement"? I'd love to fact-check it further! What's your take on Yerima's stand against Wike—hero or just doing his job?
