US Releases List of 124 Nigerians Slated for Deportation
Atlantic Digest News | July 10, 2026
The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has released the names and photographs of 124 Nigerian nationals scheduled for deportation following criminal convictions in the United States. While the agency confirmed that the individuals are subject to removal under US immigration laws, it did not provide a specific timeline for when the deportations will take place.
According to US authorities, the affected individuals were found to have committed various criminal offences that rendered them liable for deportation after serving their respective sentences or completing legal proceedings. The publication of their identities is part of the department’s efforts to maintain transparency in immigration enforcement and inform relevant authorities in the receiving country.
The development has attracted attention in Nigeria, where immigration and diplomatic officials are expected to work with their American counterparts to facilitate the repatriation process. Under international practice, deported citizens are received by immigration authorities upon arrival and may be subjected to further screening or investigation where necessary.
The announcement comes amid significant changes to Nigeria’s visa administration in the United States. In a related development, the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) announced the indefinite suspension of OIS Services, the operator of Nigeria’s visa application centres across the United States. The suspension took effect on July 1, with the immigration agency citing administrative reasons and indicating that alternative arrangements would be communicated to applicants.
The NIS advised Nigerians and foreign nationals seeking Nigerian visas to await further directives regarding new application procedures, assuring the public that measures were being put in place to ensure uninterrupted consular services.
Meanwhile, another group of Nigerian citizens has returned home from South Africa following renewed incidents of xenophobic violence targeting foreign nationals. The latest returnees, described as the fourth batch of evacuated Nigerians, arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, where they were received by officials of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), and other government agencies.
The returnees recounted experiences of intimidation, attacks on businesses, and fears for their safety, prompting them to accept voluntary evacuation arrangements coordinated by Nigerian authorities. Government officials assured the returnees of support through reintegration programmes designed to assist them in rebuilding their lives.
The Federal Government has continued diplomatic engagements with South African authorities over recurring xenophobic attacks, urging stronger protection for Nigerian citizens and other foreign nationals living and working in the country.
The latest developments highlight the complex challenges facing Nigerians abroad, ranging from immigration enforcement and changing visa policies to concerns over the safety and welfare of citizens in foreign countries. Nigerian authorities have reaffirmed their commitment to protecting the interests of citizens overseas while strengthening cooperation with international partners on migration and consular matters.
