Canada has confirmed the deportation of 97 Nigerian citizens in 2026, as part of a wider enforcement of immigration rules. The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) reported that a total of 5,260 foreign nationals were removed across different countries during the year. Officials say the removals are necessary to uphold the integrity of Canada’s immigration system and ensure fairness for lawful entrants.
Deportation Statistics by Country
The CBSA report highlights that a total of 5,260 foreign nationals were removed from Canada in 2026. Nigeria ranked among the countries affected, with 97 deportations. Here is the breakdown of deportations by nationality:
- India - 1,712
- Mexico - 743
- Haiti - 248
- United States - 184
- Colombia - 169
- Romania - 138
- Bangladesh - 116
- Pakistan - 109
- Nigeria - 97
- Chile - 84
- Remaining nationals - 1,660
- Total: 5,260
Reasons for Deportation
The CBSA explained that individuals may be found inadmissible to remain in Canada for several reasons under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, sections 33 to 42. The main grounds for inadmissibility include:
- Criminality – offences under section 36.
- Transborder criminality – cross-border offences.
- Organised crime – section 37 violations.
- Misrepresentation – false information provided to authorities.
- Non-compliance – failure to meet immigration requirements.
- Cessation – loss of refugee protection status.
Enforcement Figures
The CBSA removals programme shows consistent enforcement over recent years. In 2026 alone, 5,260 removals were carried out, with the majority linked to non-compliance by refugee claimants (4,352 cases). Other categories included:
- Criminality: 260 cases
- Transborder criminality: 21 cases
- Organised crime: 18 cases
- Misrepresentation: 28 cases
- Non-compliance (non-claimants): 559 cases
- Cessation: 4 cases
- Others: 18 cases
CBSA Statement
The CBSA stressed the importance of removals in maintaining the integrity of Canada’s immigration system. “Removing individuals who do not have the right to enter or stay in Canada is essential to maintaining the integrity of Canada's immigration programme and to ensuring fairness for those who come to this country lawfully.” The deportation of 97 Nigerians in 2026 forms part of Canada’s broader enforcement of immigration rules. With thousands of removals across different nationalities, the CBSA continues to emphasise fairness and compliance in its immigration system.
