By Our Correspondent
National News – The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has released the names and photographs of 124 Nigerians identified among foreign nationals facing deportation following criminal convictions in the country.
The list, published on the agency’s official website, forms part of what the DHS described as its updated register of the “worst of the worst” criminal offenders currently being processed for removal by the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
While the identities of the affected Nigerians have been made public, the US authorities did not disclose the specific dates for their deportation or provide details of the offences committed by each individual.
According to the DHS, the move is part of an intensified immigration enforcement campaign aimed at removing non-citizens convicted of serious crimes.
“The U.S. Department of Homeland Security is highlighting the worst of the worst criminal aliens arrested by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE),” the agency said in a statement.
It added that under the leadership of the department, ICE personnel were carrying out President Donald Trump’s directive to begin mass deportations with individuals considered the most dangerous offenders.
Among the Nigerians listed 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, Kingsley Ariegwe, Patrick Onogwu, Kenneth Unanka, Jeremiah Ehis, Ayibatonye Bienzigha, Uche Diuno, Chinonso Ochie, Okechukwu Okoronkwo, Kamaludeen Giwa, Kingsley Ibhadore, Peter Equere, Adewale Aladekoba, Akeem Adeleke, Chukwuemeka Okorie, Chima Orji, Abdul Akinsanya, Dennis Ofuoma, Ifeanyi Okoro, Oluchi Jennifer and Chibuzo Nwaonu, among others.
The latest development is part of the immigration measures introduced by President Trump following his return to office on January 20, 2025.
On his first day back in office, Trump signed a series of executive orders declaring illegal immigration a national emergency and directing federal agencies to strengthen border security while accelerating the deportation of undocumented migrants.
One of the executive orders, titled “Protecting the American People Against Invasion,” instructed immigration authorities to prioritise the arrest and removal of migrants considered threats to public safety and national security.
The DHS maintained that the administration was fulfilling Trump’s campaign promise to carry out large-scale deportations, beginning with individuals convicted of serious criminal offences. It added that ICE officers had been directed to intensify nationwide operations targeting deportable non-citizens with criminal records.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt has also defended the policy, insisting the administration remains committed to enforcing US immigration laws and removing undocumented immigrants convicted of crimes.
Official US immigration data indicate that Guatemala has recorded the highest number of deportees since the renewed enforcement campaign began, followed by Honduras, Mexico and El Salvador. The US has also expanded deportation flights to countries across Africa, Asia and the Caribbean.
Nigeria has also faced increased scrutiny under the Trump administration. In June, Washington imposed partial visa restrictions on Nigerian citizens, citing concerns over identity management, information sharing, visa overstay rates and security screening.
The US authorities have not announced when the 124 Nigerians listed will be deported.
