US Immigration Authorities Expand Deportation List Targeting 97 Nigerians
The United States Department of Homeland Security has significantly expanded its deportation efforts, adding 18 Nigerian nationals to its removal list. This latest update brings the total number of Nigerians scheduled for deportation to 97 individuals, according to an official statement released on February 10, 2026.
Nationwide Crackdown on Criminal Immigrants
Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials have launched a coordinated nationwide operation targeting immigrants convicted of serious criminal offenses. The Department of Homeland Security explained that this expanded enforcement action specifically focuses on what they describe as the "worst-of-the-worst" criminal aliens within the United States.
The operation represents a significant escalation in immigration enforcement under the current administration's policies, with particular attention given to financial crimes that pose substantial risks to American citizens and institutions.
Specific Crimes Leading to Deportation
According to DHS documentation, the newly listed Nigerians face allegations of multiple serious offenses including:
- Wire fraud involving electronic communications systems
- Mail fraud through postal service channels
- Identity theft compromising personal information security
These crimes have been identified as priority targets for immigration enforcement due to their significant financial impact and potential security implications for the United States.
Complete List of Newly Added Individuals
The 18 Nigerians recently added to the deportation roster include:
- Oluwaseyanu Afolabi
- Olugbeminiyi Aderibigbe
- Benjamin Ifebajo
- Obinwanne Okeke
- Kolawole Aminu
- Oluwadamilola Ojo
- Franklin Ibeabuchi
- Alex Ogunshakin
- Joshua Ineh
- Stephen Oseghale
- Eghosa Obaretin
- Adesina Lasisi
- Ibrahim Ijaoba
- Azeez Yinusa
- Charles Akabuogu
- Kelechi Umeh
- Lotenna Umeadi
- Donald Ehie
- Chukwudi Kalu
The Department of Homeland Security has confirmed that deportation proceedings will commence immediately in accordance with United States immigration laws and regulations.
Regional Deportation Patterns Emerge
This expanded enforcement action follows recent patterns in US deportation procedures affecting West African nationals. Earlier reports indicated that 14 West Africans deported from the United States to Ghana were subsequently transferred to their home countries, including 13 Nigerians and one Gambian national.
Ghanaian authorities have emphasized that their acceptance of deportees was based purely on humanitarian considerations rather than political alignment with US immigration policies. Meanwhile, Nigerian government officials have expressed concerns about the transparency of deportation procedures, noting that previous deportations typically involved direct transfers from the United States to Nigeria.
The current administration's strict immigration enforcement represents a continuation of policies implemented since President Donald Trump returned to office in January 2025, with particular focus on criminal aliens within immigrant communities.
