The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has named 124 Nigerians among foreign nationals targeted for deportation as part of an expanded immigration enforcement operation under President Donald Trump’s administration.

The agency released the names and photographs of those affected in a statement published on its website, describing the individuals as part of what it called its “worst of the worst” category of criminal offenders arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

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The DHS said the 124 Nigerians deportation action is part of a broader effort to remove non-citizens with criminal records from the United States.

However, the department did not state when deportation proceedings would begin or provide specific details of the offences linked to each individual listed.

In its statement, the DHS said, “The U.S. Department of Homeland Security is highlighting the worst of worst criminal aliens arrested by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).”

The agency added that ICE officials were carrying out President Trump’s immigration agenda by prioritising the removal of individuals it considers high-risk.

Among the Nigerians named by the department are 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.

The list also includes 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 and Olajide Olateru-Olagbegi.

The latest move follows stricter immigration measures introduced after Trump returned to office on January 20, 2025.

On his first day back in office, Trump signed executive orders declaring illegal immigration a national emergency, strengthening border security measures and directing federal agencies to accelerate deportation procedures.

The announcement has drawn renewed attention to the impact of tougher US immigration policies on Nigerians and other foreign nationals living in the country.

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While DHS described those listed as criminal offenders, the agency did not publish individual case details alongside the names, meaning the specific circumstances surrounding each person’s immigration status remain unclear.