US Releases Identities, Images of 124 Nigerians Marked for Deportation in Criminal Enforcement Drive
The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has disclosed the names and photographs of 124 Nigerian nationals designated for deportation, as part of an intensified immigration enforcement initiative focused on non-citizens convicted of serious offences.
The information was made public in a statement issued on the DHS website on Wednesday. In the release, the agency classified those listed as belonging to its “worst-of-the-worst” category, referring to individuals apprehended by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for major criminal violations.
Despite publishing the identities of the affected Nigerians, U.S. authorities did not indicate when deportations would begin, nor did they provide details of the specific crimes for which the individuals were convicted. DHS stated that the move is part of a wider nationwide effort to address criminal activity among non-citizens. The statement read:
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 department further explained that DHS and ICE officials are acting under President Donald Trump’s directive to carry out large-scale deportations, beginning with individuals identified as the most serious offenders. Among the 124 Nigerians listed are 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.
Also included 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 further contains 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.
Others named include 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 development forms part of broader immigration enforcement measures introduced after President Trump returned to office on January 20, 2025. On his first day, he signed multiple executive orders declaring illegal immigration a national emergency and directing federal agencies to reinforce border security while expediting the arrest and removal of undocumented migrants.
One of these orders, titled Protecting the American People Against Invasion, instructed immigration authorities to prioritise the detention and deportation of individuals eligible for removal, particularly those regarded as threats to public safety or national security.
In defending the approach, DHS stated that the administration is delivering on President Trump’s campaign commitment to strengthen immigration enforcement, with initial focus on convicted criminal offenders. The department also noted that ICE personnel have been directed to widen enforcement activities across the country.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt also supported the policy, stating that the administration remains focused on enforcing U.S. immigration laws and removing undocumented immigrants with criminal records.
According to official U.S. immigration data, Guatemala has recorded the highest number of deportees since the renewed enforcement campaign began, followed by Honduras, Mexico and El Salvador. Deportation flights have also been expanded to several countries in Africa, Asia and the Caribbean.
Nigeria has recently come under increased immigration scrutiny. In June, U.S. authorities announced partial visa restrictions affecting Nigerian citizens, citing concerns related to identity management, information sharing, visa overstay rates and security screening processes.
Credit: The Economic Times
