DHS expands crackdown as newly added deportees face fraud, identity theft, and related charges

The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced plans to deport 18 additional Nigerians, increasing the total number of Nigerians scheduled for removal to 97 under its ongoing enforcement against criminal immigrants.

The latest update comes barely a week after reports confirmed that 79 Nigerians convicted of various offences had already been designated for deportation. A review of the DHS official website on Monday showed that 18 new names had been added, signaling an expansion of the deportation exercise.

According to DHS records, the most common offences linked to the newly listed individuals include wire fraud, mail fraud, and identity theft. The agency said the removals are part of a nationwide operation targeting what it described as the “worst-of-the-worst” criminal immigrants.

In a statement published on its website, DHS said:

“The U.S. Department of Homeland Security is highlighting the worst of the worst criminal aliens arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Under Secretary Noem’s leadership, DHS and ICE are fulfilling President Trump’s promise by carrying out mass deportations, beginning with the most dangerous offenders.”

The newly added Nigerians include Oluwaseyanu Akinola Afolabi, Olugbeminiyi Aderibigbe, Benjamin Ifebajo, Obinwanne Okeke, Kolawole Aminu, Oluwadamilola Olufunsho Ojo, Franklin Ibeabuchi, 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.

The updated figures highlight the Trump administration’s hardline immigration policy, which continues to prioritize the removal of foreign nationals convicted of serious crimes, including a growing number of Nigerians.