The United States has released an updated list of 124 Nigerians facing deportation as part of its ongoing immigration enforcement efforts.
The disclosure was made in a statement published on the website of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on Wednesday.
The DHS said the individuals were included on what it described as its “worst-of-the-worst” criminal register, alleging that they were among foreign nationals convicted of serious offences in the US.
Although the agency published their names and photographs, it did not reveal when the deportations would take place.
US immigration authorities said the move formed part of broader enforcement operations targeting non-citizens with criminal convictions. However, the agency did not provide details of the specific offences involved or the circumstances surrounding each case.
The DHS statement read: “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).
“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 list included several Nigerian names, including Sunday Adediora, Sunday Kunkushi, Mkpouto Etukudoh, Marcus Unigwe, Olaniyi Ojikutu, Boluwaji Akingunsoye, Ejike Asiegbunam and Emmanuel Mayegun Adeola, among others.
READ ALSO:
- US Moves Routine Visa Processing From Abuja To Lagos
- Davido Releases Sixth Studio Album ‘Oriade’
- Tyla Drops Lagos Performance As Boycott Campaign Grows
- Access Bank: Ignore False Shutdown Messages Circulating Online
- Shell bids farewell to Executive Vice President Nigeria and Country Chair Marno, as Elohor assumes role
The latest action is linked to the immigration enforcement measures introduced by US President Donald Trump after he returned to office on January 20, 2025.
On his first day in office, Trump signed a series of executive orders declaring illegal immigration a national emergency and directing federal agencies to strengthen border controls and speed up deportations.
One of the directives, titled “Protecting the American People Against Invasion,” instructed immigration officials to prioritise the removal of migrants considered removable, particularly those accused of posing risks to public safety or national security.
The DHS said the enforcement campaign was part of Trump’s pledge to carry out mass deportations, beginning with individuals it classified as serious criminal offenders.
The department added that officers of the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) had been instructed to increase nationwide operations against non-citizens convicted of major crimes.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt also defended the policy, saying the administration was committed to enforcing immigration laws and removing undocumented immigrants with criminal records in line with Trump’s immigration agenda.
Available US immigration figures show that countries in Latin America have recorded the highest number of deportations since the renewed crackdown began, with Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico and El Salvador among the countries most affected.
The US has also expanded deportation flights to countries in Africa, Asia and the Caribbean as immigration operations continue.
Nigeria has faced increased attention from Washington in recent months. In June, the US introduced partial visa restrictions on Nigerian citizens, citing concerns over identity management systems, information sharing, visa overstays and security screening procedures.
