The United States Department of Homeland Security, DHS, has announced plans to deport an additional 18 Nigerian nationals listed on its “worst of the worst” criminal offenders register, increasing the total number of Nigerians scheduled for removal to 97.
The update follows an earlier DHS disclosure that 79 Nigerians convicted of various criminal offences had been identified for deportation as part of an ongoing enforcement exercise.
A review of updated records published on the DHS website on Monday showed that 18 more individuals of Nigerian origin were added to the deportation list, signalling an expansion of the agency’s immigration enforcement actions.
According to the records, the most common offences associated with the newly listed individuals include wire fraud, mail fraud, identity theft, and other financial crimes.
In a statement accompanying the publication, the Department of Homeland Security said the arrests and planned removals were part of a nationwide operation targeting criminal immigrants across the United States.
The statement said the agency, working through U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, ICE, is prioritising the removal of foreign nationals convicted of serious criminal offences as part of broader immigration enforcement efforts.
The Nigerians newly listed for deportation include Oluwaseyanu Akinola Afolabi, Olugbeminiyi Aderibigbe, Benjamin Ifebajo, Obinwanne Okeke, Kolawole Aminu, Oluwadamilola Olufunsho Ojo and Franklin Ibeabuchi.
Others named are Alex Afolabi Ogunshakin, Joshua Ineh, Stephen Oseghale, Eghosa Obaretin, Adesina Surajudeen Lasisi, Ibrahim Ijaoba, Azeez Yinusa, Charles Akabuogu, Kelechi Umeh, Lotenna Chisom Umeadi, Donald Ehie and Chukwudi Kingsley Kalu.
The expanded list highlights the continued hardline approach of the United States government toward illegal and criminal immigrants, with nationals from several countries affected, including Nigeria.
Earlier DHS records published in February listed 79 Nigerians for deportation. Those previously named include Boluwaji Akingunsoye, Ejike Asiegbunam, Emmanuel Mayegun Adeola, Bamidele Bolatiwa, Ifeanyi Nwaozomudoh, Aderemi Akefe, Solomon Wilfred, Chibundu Anuebunwa, Joshua Ineh, Usman Momoh, Oluwole Odunowo, Bolarinwa Salau and Oriyomi Aloba.
Other individuals on the earlier list include Oludayo Adeagbo, Olaniyi Akintuyi, Talatu Dada, Olatunde Oladinni, Jelili Qudus, Abayomi Daramola, Toluwani Adebakin, Olamide Jolayemi, Isaiah Okere, Benji Macaulay and Joseph Ogbara.
