The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has released an updated deportation list featuring 124 Nigerians it described as among the “worst-of-the-worst” criminal offenders facing immigration enforcement action.
The list, which includes the names and photographs of those affected, was published on the DHS website on Wednesday. However, the department did not disclose when the deportations would take place.
According to the DHS, the individuals listed were convicted of serious crimes and are part of ongoing immigration enforcement operations targeting non-citizens considered removable under US immigration laws.
The department, however, did not provide details of the specific offences for which the individuals were convicted.
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 DHS published the names and photographs of the 124 Nigerians on its website as part of its immigration enforcement update. The list includes:
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, Oriyomi Aloba.
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, Oyewole Balogun, Adeyinka Ademokunla, Christian Ogunghide, Christopher Ojuma, Olamide Adedipe, Patrick Onogwu, Olajide Olateru-Olagbegi, Omotayo Akinto.
Kenneth Unanka, Jeremiah Ehis, Oluwafemi Orimolade, Ayibatonye Bienzigha, Uche Diuno, Akinwale Adaramaja, Boluwatife Afolabi, Chinonso Ochie, Olayinka A. Jones, Theophilus Anwana, Aishatu Umaru, Henry Idiagbonya, Okechukwu Okoronkwo, Daro Kosin, Sakiru Ambali, Kamaludeen Giwa, Cyril Odogwu, Ifeanyi Echigeme, Kingsley Ibhadore, Suraj Tairu, Peter Equere, Dasola Abdulraheem, Adewale Aladekoba, Akeem Adeleke.
Bernard Ogie Oretekor, Abiemwense Obanor, Olufemi Olufisayo Olutiola, Chukwuemeka Okorie, Abimbola Esan, Elizabeth Miller, Chima Orji, Adetunji Olofinlade, Abdul Akinsanya, Elizabeth Adeshewo, Dennis Ofuoma, Quazeem Adeyinka, Ifeanyi Okoro, Oluwaseun Kassim, Olumide Bankole Morakinyo, Abraham Ola Osoko, Oluchi Jennifer, Chibuzo Nwaonu.
The latest action is part of the broader immigration enforcement measures introduced by US President Donald Trump’s administration following his return 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 intensify border security efforts and accelerate the removal of undocumented migrants.
One of the directives, titled Protecting the American People Against Invasion, instructed immigration authorities to prioritise the arrest and deportation of removable migrants, particularly those considered threats to public safety and national security.
The DHS said the administration was implementing Trump’s campaign promise to carry out mass deportations, beginning with individuals it classified as serious criminal offenders.
It added that officers of the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) had been directed to intensify nationwide operations against non-citizens convicted of serious crimes.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt has also defended the policy, saying the administration remains committed to enforcing immigration laws and removing undocumented immigrants with criminal records.
US immigration data show that countries such as Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico and El Salvador have recorded some of the highest numbers of deportees since the renewed enforcement campaign began, reflecting the administration’s focus on migrants from Latin America.
The US has also expanded deportation flights to countries in Africa, Asia and the Caribbean as immigration enforcement operations continue.
Nigeria has 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.
