The United States government has announced plans to deport 79 Nigerian nationals identified as some of the most serious criminal offenders currently subject to immigration enforcement.
The decision was formally made public on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, when the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) released a list classifying the individuals as “worst-of-the-worst” criminal aliens targeted for removal under ongoing enforcement operations.
According to U.S. authorities, the Nigerians on the list have been convicted of serious offences including fraud, drug trafficking, assault, manslaughter and armed robbery.
The agency said the action forms part of a broader effort to prioritise the removal of non-citizens who pose a threat to public safety.
DHS officials said immigration enforcement teams have been directed to act on existing deportation orders and pursue removals in line with U.S. law.
While the list has been released, no specific dates have been announced for deportation flights or physical removals.
The published roster includes Boluwaji Akingunsoye, Ejike Asiegbunam, Emmanuel Mayegun Adeola, Bamidele Bolatiwa, Ifeanyi Nwaozomudoh, Oludayo Adeagbo, Olusegun Martins, Christian Ogunghide, Olamide Adedipe, among others.
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U.S. authorities said the process will proceed through established legal and administrative channels, noting that enforcement actions will continue nationwide.
Some individuals affected by the announcement are reportedly making arrangements for voluntary compliance while awaiting further directives.
The move underscores Washington’s renewed focus on enforcing immigration laws against non-citizens with criminal convictions.
As of press time, the Nigerian government had not issued an official response to the announcement.