The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has expanded its list of Nigerians slated for deportation, adding 18 more individuals to its so-called “worst-of-the-worst” criminal register and bringing the total number to 97.
The latest development comes barely a week after reports emerged that 79 Nigerians convicted of various crimes had been earmarked for removal from the United States.
A review of the DHS website on Monday revealed that the additional names had been included, signaling a widening of the ongoing enforcement operation. Updated records show that wire fraud, mail fraud, and identity theft feature prominently among the offences linked to the newly listed individuals.
READ ALSO: Worst of Worst Criminals: US Lists 79 Nigerians for Deportation
An accompanying statement on the DHS website said the arrests form part of a nationwide crackdown on criminal immigrants by U.S. authorities.
It read, “The U.S. Department of Homeland Security is highlighting the worst of the worst criminal aliens arrested by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
“Under Secretary Noem’s 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, including the illegal aliens you see here.”
Among the Nigerians named in the latest update are Oluwaseyanu Akinola Afolabi, Olugbeminiyi Aderibigbe, Benjamin Ifebajo, Obinwanne Okeke, Kolawole Aminu, Oluwadamilola Olufunsho Ojo, and Franklin Ibeabuchi.
Others listed include 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 reinforces the Trump administration’s hardline position on illegal and criminal immigrants, with Nigerians among several foreign nationals affected by the policy.
Earlier, on February 2, DHS records showed that 79 Nigerians had already been listed 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 names on the earlier list are Oludayo Adeagbo, Olaniyi Akintuyi, Talatu Dada, Olatunde Oladinni, Jelili Qudus, Abayomi Daramola, Toluwani Adebakin, Olamide Jolayemi, Isaiah Okere, Benji Macaulay, and Joseph Ogbara.
