US to Deport 18 More Nigerians as Criminal List Expands to 97

The United States has announced plans to deport an additional 18 Nigerians listed on its criminal register, raising the total number of Nigerians scheduled for removal to 97, according to updated records from the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

The latest development comes barely a week after authorities confirmed that 79 Nigerians convicted of various offences were marked for deportation, signalling an expansion of Washington’s enforcement drive against criminal immigrants. A follow-up check on the DHS website showed that 18 more names were added to what officials describe as the “worst-of-the-worst” list.

DHS records indicate that wire fraud, mail fraud and identity theft are among the most common offences linked to the newly listed individuals. The agency said the arrests and deportation plans are part of a nationwide crackdown led by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

In a statement accompanying the update, DHS said the exercise aligns with President Donald Trump’s renewed commitment to tough immigration enforcement. “Under the leadership of the Department of Homeland Security, ICE officers are carrying out mass deportations, starting with the worst criminal aliens,” the statement said.

Among those named in the latest batch are Oluwaseyanu Akinola Afolabi, Olugbeminiyi Aderibigbe, Benjamin Ifebajo, Kolawole Aminu, Franklin Ibeabuchi, Kelechi Umeh and Chukwudi Kingsley Kalu, alongside several others.

The updated figures underscore the Trump administration’s continued hardline stance on illegal and criminal immigration, with foreign nationals from several countries affected, including Nigeria.

Earlier reports had listed 79 Nigerians already slated for deportation following convictions for offences ranging from fraud to related financial crimes. With the list now expanded, immigration analysts say further additions cannot be ruled out as enforcement actions continue across the United States.