The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has released the names and photographs of 124 Nigerians listed among foreign nationals facing deportation over criminal convictions.
The disclosure, published on the DHS website on Wednesday, forms part of the agency’s updated “worst-of-the-worst” criminal register.
While the identities of the affected individuals have been made public, US authorities did not specify when the deportations would take place.
According to DHS, the move is part of ongoing immigration enforcement efforts targeting non-citizens convicted of serious crimes. However, the agency did not provide details of the specific offences attributed to each individual or a timeline for their removal.
“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 agency said in a statement.
“Under DHS leadership, personnel are fulfilling President Donald Trump’s directive to carry out mass deportations, starting with individuals considered the highest risk to public safety.”
The action is part of broader immigration measures introduced following President Trump’s return to office on January 20, 2025.
On his first day back in office, Trump signed multiple executive orders declaring illegal immigration a national emergency, strengthening border enforcement, and accelerating the deportation of undocumented migrants.
One of the directives, titled *“Protecting the American People Against Invasion,”* mandates immigration authorities to prioritise the arrest and removal of individuals deemed threats to public safety and national security.
The DHS noted that officers of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) have been directed to intensify operations nationwide against non-citizens with criminal records.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt also defended the policy, stating that the administration remains committed to enforcing immigration laws and removing undocumented immigrants with criminal convictions.
Official US immigration data indicate that Guatemala currently records the highest number of deportees under the renewed enforcement campaign, followed by Honduras, Mexico, and El Salvador. Deportation operations have also been expanded to parts of Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean.
Nigeria has faced increased scrutiny under the policy. In June, the United States imposed partial visa restrictions on Nigerian citizens, citing concerns related to identity management, information sharing, visa overstay rates, and security screening.
The DHS list includes over 100 Nigerians, among them Sunday Adediora, Marcus Unigwe, Olaniyi Ojikutu, Ejike Asiegbunam, Emmanuel Adeola, Ifeanyi Nwaozomudoh, Usman Momoh, Oluwole Odunowo, and several others.
Authorities say further updates will be provided as enforcement actions continue.