The U.S. has announced plans to deport 97 Nigerians as part of a broader crackdown on immigrants with alleged criminal convictions.
The list includes 18 newly identified individuals in addition to 79 Nigerians previously earmarked for deportation.
According to a statement from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the arrests were conducted through coordinated operations across multiple states by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
The statement explained that the new names were added under an expanded nationwide enforcement initiative targeting immigrants convicted of serious crimes.
DHS described the operation as part of its “worst-of-the-worst” criminal immigrants programme.
The alleged offences associated with the individuals include wire fraud, mail fraud, and identity theft, which authorities said pose serious financial and security risks.
“The U.S. Department of Homeland Security is highlighting the worst of the worst criminal aliens arrested by ICE,” the statement said. “Under Secretary Noem’s leadership, DHS and ICE personnel are carrying out deportations starting with the most serious offenders.”
The 18 Nigerians on the latest list include Oluwaseyanu Afolabi, Olugbeminiyi Aderibigbe, Benjamin Ifebajo, Obinwanne Okeke, Kolawole Aminu, Oluwadamilola Ojo, Franklin Ibeabuchi, Alex Ogunshakin, Joshua Ineh, Stephen Oseghale, Eghosa Obaretin, Adesina Lasisi, Ibrahim Ijaoba, Azeez Yinusa, Charles Akabuogu, Kelechi Umeh, Lotenna Umeadi, Donald Ehie, and Chukwudi Kalu.
The DHS stated that the deportations would proceed immediately in accordance with U.S. immigration laws and regulations.
Authorities noted that since January 2025, the U.S. government has intensified enforcement of its immigration policies targeting individuals with criminal records.