World News

US Soldier Zainab James Embarks on Emotional Search for Nigerian Father, Lateef Quadri

Published by Akinwale Fakinlede on August 14th, 2025.

For United States Army soldier Zainab James, service to her country has always been a calling. But now, she’s answering a different kind of call—one that comes from the depths of her heart. The 32-year-old military officer has launched a deeply personal mission: to find her long-lost Nigerian father, Lateef Quadri.

Zainab, who grew up in the United States with her mother, says she has spent her life with only fragments of her father’s story. All she knows is that he hails from Nigeria and had met her mother while studying abroad decades ago. After they separated, contact was lost, leaving Zainab with unanswered questions about her heritage.

“I’ve worn the uniform and served across continents,” she explains, “but the journey that matters most is finding where I truly come from.”

The soldier admits that her military background has given her discipline, resilience, and an unwavering will—qualities she now applies to her search. She has begun reaching out to Nigerian communities both in the U.S. and abroad, using social media, veterans’ networks, and community organizations to spread the word about her quest.

Her search is not just about reuniting with a missing parent. For Zainab, it is about connecting with her cultural identity, understanding her roots, and filling the void left by years of wondering.

“Knowing my father means knowing myself,” she says. “It’s not just a name—it’s a history, a family, and a love I’ve never had the chance to know.”

Friends and fellow soldiers have rallied around her, helping to share her story. Some have even offered to connect her with contacts in Nigeria who might recognize the name Lateef Quadri or remember a man who

once lived abroad.