The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced plans to deport 97 Nigerians listed for various criminal offences, including 18 recently added to its enforcement register.
Information published on the DHS website indicates that the individuals are part of what the agency described as the “worst of the worst” criminal offenders identified by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
According to updated records, offences linked to those listed include wire fraud, mail fraud, and identity theft, among others.
In a statement, the DHS said the arrests were carried out as part of a nationwide enforcement operation targeting criminal non-citizens.
It noted that the exercise aligns with the administration’s broader immigration enforcement policy, which prioritises the removal of individuals convicted of serious crimes.
Among the Nigerians named on the updated list are Oluwaseyanu Akinola Afolabi, Olugbeminiyi Aderibigbe, Benjamin Ifebajo, Obinwanne Okeke, Kolawole Aminu, Oluwadamilola Olufunsho Ojo, and Franklin Ibeabuchi, alongside others.
The development highlights ongoing U.S. efforts to enforce immigration laws, with several foreign nationals, including Nigerians, affected by the deportation process.
There has been no official response yet from Nigerian authorities regarding the latest announcement.
