U.S. to Deport 79 Nigerians Convicted of Terrorism, Murder, Rape and Fraud

United States authorities have concluded plans to deport dozens of Nigerian nationals convicted of serious crimes, including terrorism, murder, rape and large-scale fraud, describing them as some of the most dangerous offenders within the country’s immigration system.

According to a recent publication by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), a total of 79 convicted Nigerians have been listed for deportation following the completion of their sentences. The list was published on the department’s official website and reviewed on Wednesday.

DHS said the individuals fall into a category it described as the “worst of the worst” criminal aliens apprehended by officers of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The agency noted that the deportations form part of an ongoing enforcement drive targeting foreign nationals convicted of violent and high-impact crimes.

In a statement accompanying the release, DHS said the exercise aligns with the current administration’s commitment to prioritise the removal of undocumented immigrants with serious criminal records.

“Under the leadership of Secretary Noem, the men and women of DHS and ICE are carrying out the president’s directive by starting deportations with the most dangerous offenders,” the department said, adding that those listed include individuals convicted of offences posing severe threats to public safety.

Photographs, names and details of the crimes committed by the affected Nigerians were published by U.S. authorities as part of the announcement. The deportees are expected to be returned to Nigeria in phases, subject to coordination with relevant Nigerian agencies.

The development has once again drawn attention to transnational crime and the growing cooperation between U.S. immigration authorities and foreign governments in addressing it.

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