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The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has released the names and photographs of 124 Nigerians identified for deportation as part of a renewed immigration enforcement campaign targeting foreign nationals convicted of criminal offenses.
The names were released Wednesday through the department’s official website under its updated “worst of the worst” criminal docket, which highlights noncitizens arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for crimes that make them liable for deportation from the country.
Although the affected Nigerians have been publicly identified, US authorities have not announced when the deportations will begin or revealed the specific crimes committed by each individual.
DHS reveals deportation registry
According to the DHS, the release is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen immigration enforcement and remove criminals from the United States.
The agency said ICE agents were ordered to prioritize the arrest and deportation of undocumented migrants convicted of serious crimes consistent with the administration’s immigration policy.
In a statement accompanying the list, the department said its staff was implementing President Donald Trump’s directive to step up deportations starting with what he described as the “worst of the worst” offenders.
The agency, however, did not provide further details on the criminal convictions or legal status of those named.
Nigerians listed for removal
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 and others.
Others listed are 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 and Omotayo Akinto.
Also on the list are 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 and Akeem Adeleke.
The list also includes 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 and Chibuzo Nwaonu.
Trump’s immigration agenda
The latest development is part of immigration measures introduced after President Trump returns to office on January 20, 2025.
On his first day back at the White House, Trump signed a series of executive orders declaring illegal immigration a national emergency, tightening border security and directing federal agencies to speed up the deportation of undocumented migrants.
One of the executive orders directed immigration authorities to prioritize the detention and deportation of noncitizens deemed threats to public safety and national security.
DHS said the release of the registry demonstrates the administration’s commitment to implementing its mass deportation policy, starting with people convicted of serious crimes.
Nigeria faces increased scrutiny
The latest action comes amid increased scrutiny of Nigeria by US authorities.
In June, Washington announced partial visa restrictions for Nigerian citizens, citing concerns about identity management, information sharing, visa overstay rates and security checks.
The White House has repeatedly defended the tougher immigration measures, insisting they are aimed at strengthening national security and ensuring compliance with U.S. immigration laws.
White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt maintained that the administration remains committed to removing undocumented immigrants with criminal records as part of President Trump’s broader immigration agenda.
The timeline of the deportation remains unclear
Despite publishing the identities and photographs of the affected Nigerians, US authorities have yet to announce when the deportation proceedings will conclude or when the people will return to Nigeria.
DHS also did not indicate whether all of the individuals listed are currently in immigration detention or in various stages of removal proceedings.
The release, however, signals a further escalation of the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement campaign, with officials insisting that criminals remain the primary targets of the ongoing nationwide deportation campaign.
