The United States government has announced plans to deport 124 Nigerian nationals as part of a broader crackdown on foreign nationals convicted of serious crimes in the country.
According to information published by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the affected Nigerians are among foreign nationals placed on what the agency described as its “worst-of-the-worst” criminal register.
The DHS disclosed that the individuals were arrested by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) as part of ongoing immigration enforcement efforts under President Donald Trump’s administration. However, the agency did not state when the deportations would begin.
In a statement posted on its official website, the department said the operation is focused on removing non-citizens convicted of grave criminal offences.
“The U.S. Department of Homeland Security is highlighting the worst of worst criminal aliens arrested by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE),” the statement said.
It added: “Under DHS leadership, the hardworking men and women of DHS and ICE are fulfilling President Trump’s promise and carrying out mass deportations – starting with the worst of the worst – including the illegal aliens you see here.”
The agency stated that those listed had been convicted of serious offences, including sexual assault, drug trafficking and money laundering, among other crimes.
Among the Nigerians identified by the DHS are Sunday Adediora, Sunday Kunkushi, Mkpouto Etukudoh, Marcus Unigwe, Olaniyi Ojikutu, Boluwaji Akingunsoye, Ejike Asiegbunam, Emmanuel Mayegun Adeola, Bamidele Bolatiwa, Ifeanyi Nwaozomudoh, Aderemi Akefe, Solomon Wilfred, Chibundu Anuebunwa, Joshua Ineh, Usman Momoh, Oluwole Odunowo, Bolarinwa Salau and Oriyomi Aloba.
Others include Oludayo Adeagbo, Olaniyi Akintuyi, Talatu Dada, Olatunde Oladinni, Jelili Qudus, Abayomi Daramola, Toluwani Adebakin, Olamide Jolayemi, Isaiah Okere, Benji Macaulay, Joseph Ogbara, Olusegun Martins, Kingsley Ariegwe, Olugbenga Abass, Adeyinka Ademokunla, Christian Ogunghide, Christopher Ojuma, Olamide Adedipe, Patrick Onogwu and Olajide Olateru-Olagbegi, among others.
The DHS publication also included photographs and identities of those scheduled for removal but did not provide a specific timeline for their deportation.
The latest development comes as U.S. immigration authorities continue to intensify enforcement measures targeting foreign nationals with criminal convictions, in line with the administration’s policy of prioritising the deportation of individuals considered to pose significant public safety risks.
