US Names 124 Nigerians for Deportation Over Criminal Convictions

The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced plans to deport at least 124 Nigerians identified among what it described as the “worst of the worst” criminal aliens in the country as part of an intensified immigration enforcement campaign.

The agency disclosed the development in a statement published on its official website, stating that the affected Nigerians were included in a register of foreign nationals convicted of serious criminal offences. However, the DHS did not specify the exact crimes committed by each individual or indicate when the deportations would begin.

According to the agency, the action forms part of the Trump administration’s ongoing mass deportation programme targeting undocumented immigrants with criminal convictions.

“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. Under DHS leadership, the hardworking men and women of DHS and ICE are fulfilling President Donald Trump’s promise and carrying out mass deportations,” the statement said.

The published list contains the names and photographs of the affected individuals, including dozens of Nigerian nationals.

The latest announcement comes months after the DHS identified 79 Nigerians for deportation in February 2026 over offences ranging from fraud and drug trafficking to robbery, assault and manslaughter.

Nigeria has also faced increased immigration scrutiny under the current US administration. In June, Washington imposed partial visa restrictions on Nigerian citizens, citing concerns over identity management, information sharing, visa overstay rates and security screening procedures.

Although the US government has not provided a timeline for the deportations, immigration authorities said enforcement actions against criminal foreign nationals would continue as part of broader efforts to strengthen border security and public safety.

The development is expected to draw attention from Nigerian authorities, particularly regarding the reintegration of deportees and possible diplomatic engagement with the United States over immigration matters.

The DHS maintained that the exercise is focused on individuals with criminal records and forms part of its commitment to enforcing US immigration laws while prioritising the removal of foreign nationals considered to pose security risks.