Elli Obaje Abuja
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has released the names and photos of 124 Nigerians identified for deportation as part of a stepped-up immigration enforcement effort focused on non-citizens with criminal convictions.
The list was posted on Wednesday on the department’s official website as part of an updated “worst-of-the-worst” register. The register highlights people arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement who officials say are subject to removal from the country. 
DHS did not announce a timeline for the deportations or list the specific offenses for each person named.
Why the list was published
According to DHS, the release is part of efforts to remove criminal offenders who are in the U.S. without legal status.
The agency said ICE has been instructed to prioritize arrests and removals in line with current administration policy. In a statement, DHS said personnel are carrying out President Donald Trump’s directive to accelerate deportations, starting with what it called the “worst of the worst.”
The department did not provide further details about the convictions or current detention status of those on the list.
Nigerians named
The 124 people listed include: 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, and Oluwole Odunowo.
Other names include Oludayo Adeagbo, Talatu Dada, Jelili Qudus, Abayomi Daramola, Toluwani Adebakin, Isaiah Okere, Benji Macaulay, Joseph Ogbara, Kingsley Ariegwe, Oyewole Balogun, Christian Ogunghide, Patrick Onogwu, Omotayo Akinto, Kenneth Unanka, Ayibatonye Bienzigha, Uche Diuno, Chinonso Ochie, Henry Idiagbonya, Okechukwu Okoronkwo, Sakiru Ambali, Suraj Tairu, Dasola Abdulraheem, Akeem Adeleke, Bernard Ogie Oretekor, Chukwuemeka Okorie, Abimbola Esan, Elizabeth Miller, Chima Orji, Abdul Akinsanya, Dennis Ofuoma, Ifeanyi Okoro, Olumide Bankole Morakinyo, Oluchi Jennifer and Chibuzo Nwaonu, among others.
The full list with photographs is on the DHS website.
Context: Trump administration policy
The move follows a series of immigration actions after President Trump returned to office on January 20, 2025.
On his first day, Trump signed executive orders declaring illegal immigration a national emergency, tightening border security, and directing agencies to speed up removals. One order told immigration authorities to prioritize the detention and deportation of non-citizens deemed threats to public safety and national security.
DHS said publishing the register shows the administration’s commitment to its mass deportation policy, with an initial focus on people convicted of serious crimes.
Broader scrutiny on Nigeria
The announcement comes as Nigeria faces increased attention from U.S. authorities.
In June, Washington announced partial visa restrictions for Nigerian citizens, citing issues around identity management, information sharing, visa overstays, and security screening.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said the administration remains focused on removing undocumented immigrants with criminal records as part of its broader immigration agenda.
What happens next
U.S. officials have not said when deportation proceedings for those named will be completed or when they will be returned to Nigeria.
DHS also did not specify how many on the list are currently in ICE detention versus at other stages of removal proceedings.
The publication marks another escalation in the administration’s nationwide enforcement campaign, with officials stating that criminal offenders remain the primary target.
