The U.S. Department of Homeland Security said it plans to deport 18 additional Nigerians listed on its register of serious criminal offenders, raising the total number of Nigerians scheduled for removal to 97.
The update comes about a week after Nigerian media reported that 79 Nigerians convicted of various crimes had been marked for deportation. A review of the DHS website on Monday showed that 18 more names had been added, signaling an expansion of the enforcement action.
DHS records show that wire fraud, mail fraud and identity theft are among the most common offenses linked to the newly listed individuals.
In a statement accompanying the update, DHS said the arrests were part of a nationwide crackdown on immigrants convicted of serious crimes.
“The U.S. Department of Homeland Security is highlighting the worst of the worst criminal aliens arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement,” the statement said, adding that the enforcement drive targets immigrants convicted of serious offenses.
Among the Nigerians newly listed for deportation are Oluwaseyanu Akinola Afolabi, Olugbeminiyi Aderibigbe, Benjamin Ifebajo, Obinwanne Okeke, Kolawole Aminu, Oluwadamilola Olufunsho Ojo and Franklin Ibeabuchi. Others 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.
Earlier this month, DHS listed 79 Nigerians for deportation, including Boluwaji Akingunsoye, Ejike Asiegbunam, Emmanuel Mayegun Adeola, Bamidele Bolatiwa, Ifeanyi Nwaozomudoh, Aderemi Akefe, Solomon Wilfred and Chibundu Anuebunwa, according to published records.
The updated figures highlight the U.S. government’s continued emphasis on removing immigrants convicted of serious crimes, an effort that has affected foreign nationals from several countries, including Nigeria.
