The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has released the names and photographs of 124 Nigerians it says are facing deportation after being convicted of serious crimes in the United States, though officials have not provided details of the offences or said when the removals will happen.
The list, published on the DHS website on Wednesday, is part of a wider immigration enforcement drive by the administration of President Donald Trump. The department said the individuals were among what it described as the “worst of the worst” criminal offenders arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
DHS said the move reflects the administration’s decision to prioritize the removal of immigrants it considers a threat to public safety. The agency said the deportations are part of Trump’s promise to carry out large-scale immigration enforcement, beginning with people convicted of serious crimes.
“Under DHS 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 department said in its statement.
The published list includes the names of 124 Nigerians, including Sunday Adediora, Sunday Kunkushi, Mkpouto Etukudoh, Marcus Unigwe, Olaniyi Ojikutu, Boluwaji Akingunsoye, Ejike Asiegbunam, Emmanuel Mayegun Adeola, Bamidele Bolatiwa and Ifeanyi Nwaozomudoh. Other names listed include Kenneth Unanka, Jeremiah Ehis, Oluwafemi Orimolade, Akinwale Adaramaja, Boluwatife Afolabi, Chinonso Ochie, Theophilus Anwana, Henry Idiagbonya and Okechukwu Okoronkwo.
The agency also named individuals including Bernard Ogie Oretekor, Abiemwense Obanor, Olufemi Olutiola, Chukwuemeka Okorie, Abimbola Esan, Elizabeth Miller, Chima Orji, Dennis Ofuoma, Olumide Bankole Morakinyo, Oluchi Jennifer and Chibuzo Nwaonu.
DHS did not say whether all 124 people had completed their legal appeals or whether any had pending immigration cases that could delay removal. Deportation proceedings in the United States often involve court hearings and other legal steps before a person can be removed from the country.
The announcement comes after Trump signed a series of executive orders on his return to office on Jan. 20, 2025, declaring illegal immigration a national emergency and directing federal agencies to increase border enforcement and deportations. One order, titled “Protecting the American People Against Invasion,” instructed immigration authorities to focus on removing migrants who are considered removable under U.S. law, particularly those linked to public safety concerns.
The move is likely to draw attention in Nigeria, where many families rely on income sent home by relatives living abroad. Nigerian officials and immigration advocates have previously called for deportation cases to be handled with respect for legal procedures and the rights of individuals involved. The U.S. government has maintained that removing people convicted of serious crimes is a key part of protecting American communities.
