The United States has released the names and photographs of 124 Nigerians identified for deportation as part of an expanded immigration enforcement campaign targeting non-citizens convicted of crimes.
The list was published on Wednesday by the US Department of Homeland Security, which said the Nigerians are among those classified under its “worst of the worst” category of criminal offenders.
Although the department made the identities of those affected public, it did not say when the deportations would begin.
In a statement posted on its website, the DHS said the move forms part of a broader immigration crackdown being carried out by the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement under President Donald Trump’s administration.
“The US Department of Homeland Security is highlighting the worst of the worst criminal aliens arrested by the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE),” the statement said.
It added that DHS and ICE officers were carrying out Trump’s directive to prioritise the removal of undocumented immigrants with criminal records.
The published list includes names such as Sunday Adediora, Sunday Kunkushi, Marcus Unigwe, Olaniyi Ojikutu, Boluwaji Akingunsoye, Ejike Asiegbunam, Emmanuel Mayegun Adeola, Ifeanyi Nwaozomudoh, Kenneth Unanka, Uche Diuno, Chukwuemeka Okorie, Elizabeth Miller, Chibuzo Nwaonu and several others.
While the DHS maintained that everyone on the list had been convicted of serious offences, it did not disclose the specific crimes linked to each individual.
The latest action follows sweeping immigration measures introduced after President Donald Trump returned to office on January 20, 2025.
On his first day back in office, Trump signed executive orders declaring illegal immigration a national emergency and directing federal agencies to tighten border security while accelerating the arrest and removal of undocumented migrants, especially those considered threats to public safety and national security.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt has defended the policy, saying the administration remains committed to enforcing immigration laws and removing undocumented immigrants with criminal convictions.
According to official US immigration data, Guatemala has recorded the highest number of deportees since the renewed enforcement began, followed by Honduras, Mexico and El Salvador.
Deportation flights have also been expanded to countries across Africa, Asia and the Caribbean.
Nigeria has also faced increased immigration scrutiny in recent months. In June, the United States imposed partial visa restrictions on Nigerian citizens, citing concerns over identity management, information sharing, visa overstay rates and security screening.
The Department of Homeland Security has made the full list, along with photographs of those affected, available on its official website.
