Editor
The United States has published the names and photos of 124 Nigerians slated for deportation, describing them as part of its “worst-of-the-worst” criminal register.
The list was released Wednesday on the website of the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) as part of a broader immigration enforcement push under the Trump administration.
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Join our WhatsApp ChannelAccording to DHS, the individuals have been convicted of serious crimes in the US. The department did not disclose details of the offences or a timeline for the deportations.
“The U.S. Department of Homeland Security is highlighting the worst of worst criminal aliens arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE),” the statement read.
“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.”
Who is on the list
The DHS publication named Nigerians from different states and backgrounds. The 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, and Oriyomi Aloba.
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.
The list also features 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.
Also named: 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.
DHS published photos alongside the names.
Context of the crackdown
The action is part of sweeping immigration enforcement measures introduced after President Donald Trump returned to office on January 20, 2025.
On his first day, Trump signed executive orders declaring illegal immigration a national emergency. One order, “Protecting the American People Against Invasion,” directed ICE to prioritise the arrest and removal of migrants deemed threats to public safety and national security.
DHS said ICE officers have been instructed to intensify operations nationwide against non-citizens with criminal convictions. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt also defended the policy, saying the administration remains committed to enforcing immigration laws and removing undocumented immigrants with criminal records.
Nigeria under increased scrutiny
The deportation list comes amid growing friction between Washington and Abuja on immigration.
In June 2025, the US imposed partial visa restrictions on Nigerian citizens. The State Department cited concerns over identity management, information sharing, visa overstay rates and security screening.
Official US data shows that most deportations since January have involved nationals from Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico and El Salvador. But the administration has also expanded deportation flights to Africa, Asia and the Caribbean.
What happens next
DHS did not state when the 124 Nigerians will be deported. US immigration authorities said removals will proceed as part of “ongoing enforcement operations.”
The Nigerian government has not issued an official response to the latest list as of press time.
For business and diaspora observers, the development raises fresh questions about migration policy, consular relations and the impact on remittances and travel between the two countries.
Full list of names is available on the US Department of Homeland Security website.
