The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced plans to deport 18 additional Nigerians identified among the country’s “worst-of-the-worst” criminal offenders, bringing the total number of Nigerians marked for removal to 97.
The latest development comes barely a week after reports emerged that 79 Nigerians convicted of various crimes had already been slated for deportation. A review of the DHS website on Monday confirmed the inclusion of 18 new names, signaling an expansion of the ongoing enforcement operation.
According to updated DHS records, offences linked to the newly listed individuals include wire fraud, mail fraud and identity theft. The department explained that the action is part of a nationwide crackdown targeting criminal immigrants.
In a statement published on its website, DHS said: “The U.S. Department of Homeland Security is highlighting the worst of the worst criminal aliens arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Under Secretary Noem’s 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.”
The Nigerians newly listed for deportation include Oluwaseyanu Akinola Afolabi, Olugbeminiyi Aderibigbe, Benjamin Ifebajo, Obinwanne Okeke, Kolawole Aminu, Oluwadamilola Olufunsho Ojo, Franklin Ibeabuchi, Alex Afolabi Ogunshakin, Joshua Ineh, Stephen Oseghale, Eghosa Obaretin, Adesina Surajudeen Lasisi, Ibrahim Ijaoba, Azeez Yinusa, Charles Akabuogu, Kelechi Umeh, Lotenna Chisom Umeadi, Donald Ehie and Chukwudi Kingsley Kalu.
The updated figures underscore the Trump administration’s continued hardline stance on illegal and criminal immigrants, with the enforcement exercise affecting nationals of several countries, including Nigeria.
