The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has published the names and photographs of 124 Nigerians identified for deportation as part of its ongoing immigration enforcement operations targeting non-citizens convicted of criminal offences.
The list, released on the DHS website on Wednesday, forms part of what the department described as its focus on removing the “worst of the worst” criminal offenders from the United States.
While the agency made public the identities of those affected, it did not disclose specific details of the offences committed or provide a timeline for their deportation.
In a statement accompanying the publication, the DHS said the action was in line with the immigration enforcement policies of President Donald Trump’s administration.
“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 statement said.
“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.”
Among the Nigerians listed were Sunday Adediora, Sunday Kunkushi, Mkpouto Etukudoh, Marcus Unigwe, Olaniyi Ojikutu, Boluwaji Akingunsoye, Ejike Asiegbunam, Emmanuel Mayegun Adeola, Bamidele Bolatiwa, Ifeanyi Nwaozomudoh and Aderemi Akefe.
Others include Solomon Wilfred, Chibundu Anuebunwa, Joshua Ineh, Usman Momoh, Oluwole Odunowo, Bolarinwa Salau, Oriyomi Aloba, Oludayo Adeagbo, Olaniyi Akintuyi, Talatu Dada and Olatunde Oladinni, among dozens of others featured on the list.
The latest development comes amid an intensified immigration crackdown launched by the Trump administration following the president’s return to office on January 20, 2025.
On his first day back in the White House, Trump signed a series of executive orders aimed at tightening immigration controls, strengthening border security and accelerating the removal of undocumented migrants from the country.
One of the directives, titled Protecting the American People Against Invasion, instructed immigration authorities to prioritise the identification, arrest and deportation of non-citizens considered threats to public safety or national security.
The DHS said Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers had been directed to expand enforcement operations across the country, particularly against individuals with criminal records.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt has repeatedly defended the administration’s immigration policy, insisting that the government remains committed to enforcing immigration laws and removing undocumented migrants convicted of crimes.
According to official U.S. immigration statistics, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico and El Salvador have recorded some of the highest numbers of deportees since the renewed enforcement measures began.
The United States has also expanded deportation operations to countries in Africa, Asia and the Caribbean as part of the broader immigration strategy.
Nigeria has faced increased scrutiny under the Trump administration in recent months. In June, the U.S. government announced partial visa restrictions on Nigerian citizens, citing concerns relating to identity management systems, information-sharing practices, visa overstay rates and security screening procedures.
Although the names and photographs of the 124 Nigerians have now been made public, U.S. authorities have yet to indicate when deportation proceedings will be concluded or when those affected may be returned to Nigeria.
