Washington Targets 79 Nigerians for Immediate Deportation
The United States government has finalized plans to deport 79 Nigerians currently residing within its borders. Authorities placed these individuals on a high-priority “worst offenders” list due to various criminal activities. The US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) confirmed the identities of the affected persons this week. Most of these individuals have exhausted all legal avenues to remain within the North American country. Consequently, the Nigerian government must prepare for the arrival of these citizens at the Lagos airport. This development follows a rigorous review of non-citizens with significant felony records in different states. US officials insist that these deportations align with current national security and public safety priorities.
Federal agents have categorized the crimes of the deportees as “aggravated felonies” under US immigration laws. These offenses reportedly include violent crimes, drug trafficking, and large-scale financial fraud against American citizens. Furthermore, some individuals on the list participated in organized international cybercrime syndicates for several years. The US Department of Homeland Security maintains that these removals will deter future criminal involvement. Conversely, the Nigerian Diaspora Commission has expressed concern over the psychological impact on the returnees’ families. In a related development, the Nigerian consulate in New York has started verifying the travel documents. Proper documentation ensures that only genuine Nigerian nationals undergo this involuntary repatriation process by Washington.
The Nigerian government expects the arrival of a special chartered flight within the coming days. Security agencies at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport have received directives to process the deportees swiftly. Furthermore, officials will conduct thorough background checks to determine if any returnees have local criminal records. Active voice oversight by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs ensures that the process respects international protocols. Conversely, civil society groups are questioning the government’s plan for reintegrating these individuals into society. They argue that a lack of rehabilitation programs could lead to increased local crime rates. Consequently, the federal government is considering a partnership with social welfare agencies for monitored reintegration.
The list features 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.
Others include Oludayo Adeagbo, Olaniyi Akintuyi, Talatu Dada, Olatunde Oladinni, Jelili Qudus, Abayomi Daramola, Toluwani Adebakin, Olamide Jolayemi, Isaiah Okere, Benji Macaulay and Joseph Ogbara.
Also listed are Olusegun Martins, Kingsley Ariegwe, Olugbenga Abass, Oyewole Balogun, Adeyinka Ademokunla, Christian Ogunghide, Christopher Ojuma, Olamide Adedipe, Patrick Onogwu, Olajide Olateru-Olagbegi and Omotayo Akinto.
Further names include Kenneth Unanka, Jeremiah Ehis, Oluwafemi Orimolade, Ayibatonye Bienzigha, Uche Diuno, Akinwale Adaramaja, Boluwatife Afolabi, Chinonso Ochie, Olayinka A. Jones, Theophilus Anwana, Aishatu Umaru and Henry Idiagbonya.
The list also features Okechukwu Okoronkwo, Daro Kosin, Sakiru Ambali, Kamaludeen Giwa, Cyril Odogwu, Ifeanyi Echigeme, Kingsley Ibhadore, Suraj Tairu, Peter Equere, Dasola Abdulraheem, Adewale Aladekoba and Akeem Adeleke.
Others include Bernard Ogie Oretekor, Abiemwense Obanor, Olufemi Olufisayo Olutiola, Chukwuemeka Okorie, Abimbola Esan, Elizabeth Miller, Chima Orji, Adetunji Olofinlade, Abdul Akinsanya, Elizabeth Adeshewo, Dennis Ofuoma, Quazeem Adeyinka, Ifeanyi Okoro, Oluwaseun Kassim, Olumide Bankole Morakinyo, Abraham Ola Osoko, Oluchi Jennifer and Chibuzo Nwaonu.
Looking ahead, the deportation of these 79 individuals serves as a grim reminder for the diaspora. Legal experts suggest that even minor convictions can lead to permanent expulsion from the United States. Furthermore, the loss of residency status often results in the immediate forfeiture of accumulated foreign assets. The Nigerian government continues to advise its citizens abroad to remain law-abiding and productive residents. For now, the nation waits for the return of these 79 citizens under heavy security guard. Nigeria’s journey toward global respect requires every citizen to act as a responsible and ethical ambassador.