According to updated DHS records published on Monday, the names were added as part of a broader nationwide enforcement effort against immigrants convicted of serious crimes.
The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has added 18 more Nigerians to its list of individuals slated for deportation under what it describes as its “worst-of-the-worst” criminal immigrants programme, bringing the total number of Nigerians facing removal to 97.
The update is contained in records published on the DHS website on Monday, which show that the additional names were included as part of an expanded nationwide enforcement operation targeting immigrants convicted of serious crimes.
According to the records, offences linked to the newly listed individuals include wire fraud, mail fraud, and identity theft—crimes U.S. authorities say pose significant financial and security risks.
A statement accompanying the update said the arrests were carried out by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) as part of a coordinated crackdown across multiple states.
“The U.S. Department of Homeland Security is highlighting the worst of the worst criminal aliens arrested by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE),” the statement said.
It added: “Under Secretary Noem’s leadership, the men and women of DHS and ICE are fulfilling President Trump’s promise and carrying out mass deportations, starting with the worst of the worst.”
Among the Nigerians named on the latest list 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.
DHS did not immediately disclose where the individuals were arrested or provide specific timelines for their deportation, but said removals would proceed “as swiftly as possible” in accordance with U.S. immigration laws.
The development underscores the Trump administration’s renewed hardline stance on immigration enforcement, particularly against undocumented migrants and foreign nationals with criminal convictions.
Nigerians have featured prominently in recent ICE enforcement updates, reflecting what U.S. officials describe as a data-driven focus on individuals convicted of financial and identity-related crimes.