The United States has released the names of 124 Nigerians identified for deportation as part of its intensified immigration enforcement targeting non-citizens convicted of serious crimes.
The development was disclosed in a statement published on Wednesday on the website of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which said those listed had been placed on its “worst of the worst” criminal register.
While the department made public the names and photographs of the affected individuals, it did not disclose when the deportations would begin or provide details of the specific offences for which they were convicted.
According to the DHS, the deportation exercise forms part of ongoing immigration enforcement operations being carried out by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
“The U.S. Department of Homeland Security is highlighting the worst of the worst criminal aliens arrested by ICE,” the statement read.
It added that under the department’s leadership, DHS and ICE personnel were carrying out President Donald Trump’s directive on mass deportations, beginning with individuals considered the most serious criminal offenders.
The published 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, alongside more than 100 other Nigerian nationals.
The latest action is part of the sweeping immigration measures introduced after President Trump returned 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 and accelerate 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 mass deportations, beginning with what it described as the “worst of the worst” criminal offenders. It added that ICE officers had been directed to intensify nationwide operations against non-citizens convicted of serious crimes.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt also defended the policy, saying the administration remained committed to enforcing immigration laws and removing undocumented immigrants with criminal records.
Official U.S. immigration data show that Guatemala has recorded the highest number of deportees since the renewed crackdown began, followed by Honduras, Mexico, and El Salvador, reflecting the administration’s focus on migrants from Latin America.
The United States has also expanded deportation flights to countries across Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean as enforcement operations continue.
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.
