By Sunday Apah
The United States has released an updated list of 124 Nigerian individuals slated for deportation due to criminal offenses, as announced by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on Wednesday.
These individuals have been categorized by the DHS as being on its “worst-of-the-worst” criminal register.
While the names and photographs of those to be deported are now public, the exact timeframe for their removal remains undisclosed. U.S. immigration authorities clarified that these deportations are part of ongoing immigration enforcement efforts, emphasizing that all listed individuals have been convicted of serious crimes. However, specific details regarding their offenses or the precise dates of deportation were not provided.
A statement from the DHS highlighted its focus on “the worst of worst criminal aliens arrested by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).” The statement further noted, “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 of individuals 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, and Chibuzo Nwaonu.
This action aligns with the broader immigration enforcement measures implemented by U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration since his return to office on January 20, 2025. On his first day back, President Trump issued executive orders declaring illegal immigration a national emergency, directing federal agencies to enhance border security, and expedite the removal of undocumented migrants.
One such order, “Protecting the American People Against Invasion,” specifically instructed immigration authorities to prioritize the arrest and deportation of migrants deemed removable, particularly those posing threats to public safety and national security.
The DHS defended these policies, stating that the administration is fulfilling President Trump’s campaign pledge to conduct mass deportations, starting with the most serious criminal offenders.
The department confirmed that ICE officers have been instructed to intensify nationwide operations against non-citizens convicted of severe crimes.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt also affirmed the administration’s commitment to enforcing immigration laws and removing undocumented immigrants with criminal records, consistent with President Trump’s immigration agenda.
Official U.S. immigration data indicates that Guatemala has seen the highest number of deportees since the renewed crackdown, followed by Honduras, Mexico, and El Salvador, reflecting a focus on migrants from Latin American nations. Deportation flights have also expanded to countries across Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean.
Nigeria has faced increased scrutiny under the Trump administration, leading to partial visa restrictions imposed on Nigerian citizens in June. These restrictions were attributed to concerns regarding identity management, information sharing, visa overstay rates, and security screening protocols.
Source: Punch
