The United States has released an updated list of 124 Nigerians slated for deportation as part of its intensified immigration enforcement campaign targeting non-citizens convicted of crimes.

The United States has released an updated list of 124 Nigerians slated for deportation as part of its intensified immigration enforcement campaign targeting non-citizens convicted of crimes.

The list was published on Wednesday in a statement by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which said those named had been placed on what it described as its “worst-of-the-worst” criminal register.

According to the DHS, the individuals were arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and have been convicted of serious offences. However, the department did not disclose the specific crimes committed by each individual or provide a timeline for when the deportations would begin.

“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 DHS leadership, the hardworking 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 listed are Sunday Adediora, Sunday Kunkushi, Mkpouto Etukudoh, Marcus Unigwe, Olaniyi Ojikutu, Boluwaji Akingunsoye, Ejike Asiegbunam, Emmanuel Mayegun Adeola, Bamidele Bolatiwa, Ifeanyi Nwaozomudoh, Aderemi Akefe, Solomon Wilfred, Chibundu Anuebunwa, Joshua Ineh, Usman Momoh, Oluwole Odunowo, Bolarinwa Salau and Oriyomi Aloba.

Others include Oludayo Adeagbo, Olaniyi Akintuyi, Talatu Dada, Olatunde Oladinni, Jelili Qudus, Abayomi Daramola, Toluwani Adebakin, Olamide Jolayemi, Isaiah Okere, Benji Macaulay, Joseph Ogbara, Olusegun Martins, Kingsley Ariegwe, Olugbenga Abass, Oyewole Balogun, Adeyinka Ademokunla, Christian Ogunghide, Christopher Ojuma, Olamide Adedipe, Patrick Onogwu, Olajide Olateru-Olagbegi and Omotayo Akinto.

The list also includes Kenneth Unanka, Jeremiah Ehis, Oluwafemi Orimolade, Ayibatonye Bienzigha, Uche Diuno, Akinwale Adaramaja, Boluwatife Afolabi, Chinonso Ochie, Olayinka A. Jones, Theophilus Anwana, Aishatu Umaru, Henry Idiagbonya, Okechukwu Okoronkwo, Daro Kosin, Sakiru Ambali, Kamaludeen Giwa, Cyril Odogwu, Ifeanyi Echigeme, Kingsley Ibhadore, Suraj Tairu, Peter Equere, Dasola Abdulraheem, Adewale Aladekoba and Akeem Adeleke.

Other Nigerians named are Bernard Ogie Oretekor, Abiemwense Obanor, Olufemi Olufisayo Olutiola, Chukwuemeka Okorie, Abimbola Esan, Elizabeth Miller, Chima Orji, Adetunji Olofinlade, Abdul Akinsanya, Elizabeth Adeshewo, Dennis Ofuoma, Quazeem Adeyinka, Ifeanyi Okoro, Oluwaseun Kassim, Olumide Bankole Morakinyo, Abraham Ola Osoko, Oluchi Jennifer and Chibuzo Nwaonu.

The updated deportation list forms part of the immigration enforcement measures introduced by U.S. President Donald Trump following his return to office on January 20, 2025.

On his first day back in office, Trump signed a series of executive orders declaring illegal immigration a national emergency, directing federal agencies to strengthen border security and accelerate the removal of undocumented migrants.

One of the executive orders, titled Protecting the American People Against Invasion, instructed immigration authorities to prioritise the arrest and deportation of removable migrants, particularly those considered threats to public safety and national security.

The DHS said the administration was delivering on Trump’s campaign promise to carry out mass deportations, beginning with individuals it described as the “worst of the worst” criminal offenders. It added that ICE officers had been directed to intensify enforcement operations nationwide against non-citizens convicted of serious crimes.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt has also defended the policy, saying the administration remains committed to enforcing immigration laws and removing undocumented immigrants with criminal records in line with President Trump’s immigration agenda.

Official U.S. immigration data indicate that Guatemala has recorded the highest number of deportees since the renewed crackdown began, followed by Honduras, Mexico and El Salvador, reflecting the administration’s continued focus on migrants from Latin America.

The United States has also expanded deportation flights to countries across Africa, Asia and the Caribbean as immigration enforcement operations continue.

Nigeria has also come under increased scrutiny by the Trump administration. In June, Washington imposed partial visa restrictions on Nigerian citizens, citing concerns over identity management, information sharing, visa overstay rates and security screening.

If you’d like, I can also rewrite this in a more concise newspaper style (600–700 words) with a stronger lead and without listing all 124 names in the body.

UN agency, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) has welcomed a $1 million (SEK 10 million) flexible contribution from the Government of Sweden, reaffirming a long-standing partnership and a shared commitment to international cooperation on migration. 

Sweden’s contribution is part of IOM’s Resilience Campaign, a global effort to raise USD 100 million in flexible funding to help the Organization safeguard its core capacities amid rising global instability. 

“Sweden has long been a constructive and reliable partner of IOM, with a clear commitment to multilateral cooperation and rights-based approaches to migration,” said IOM Director General Amy Pope. “This renewed support reflects a strategic, political and operational partnership that continues to deepen, in line with Sweden’s migration priorities and IOM’s global mandate.” 

Sweden’s contribution also demonstrates confidence in IOM’s ability to respond effectively in a rapidly changing global environment. By providing flexible funding, Sweden joins a growing group of governments that recognize the importance of enabling UN organizations to remain agile and responsive to emerging priorities and evolving needs. Unearmarked contributions allow IOM to direct resources where they are most urgently needed, strengthen preparedness, and sustain critical operations for vulnerable communities around the world. 

The funding will help strengthen the systems that enable IOM to operate effectively and transparently, including oversight, evaluation, auditing, and efforts to prevent fraud and corruption. These functions help ensure that resources are used responsibly, and that assistance reaches people who need it most. 

Through this partnership, Sweden is helping to strengthen IOM’s capacity to respond to emerging needs, support people on the move, and work with governments to address migration challenges in a coordinated and sustainable way. The contribution reinforces a shared commitment to international cooperation and effective multilateral action in an increasingly complex global landscape.

Ms. Favour Henshaw has been appointed as the new Administrator of the Platform for Cooperation on Mixed Migration (PCMM), the organisation’s Secretariat has announced.

In a statement issued to members, the Secretariat said Henshaw will support the platform by coordinating administrative activities, facilitating communication among members, managing documentation, and strengthening the day-to-day operations of the organisation.

The Secretariat called on all members to extend their full cooperation and support to Henshaw as she assumes her new responsibilities.

“We kindly ask all members to extend their usual cooperation and support to her as she undertakes this important responsibility,” the statement read.

The Secretariat also expressed confidence in Henshaw’s ability to contribute to the platform’s mission of promoting coordinated, rights-based responses to mixed migration.

Reacting to her appointment, Henshaw expressed gratitude to the PCMM Secretariat and members for the confidence reposed in her.

“Thank you everyone for your felicitations and to PCMM for the appointment. I hope that together we can do great things and showcase the diversity of our initiative to the world,” she said.

Favour Henshaw is a distinguished advocacy leader, public speaker, and consultant whose work sits at the intersection of policy, culture, and social empowerment. As Director of United Women Voice International Foundation, she leads a portfolio of national programs advancing mental health awareness, women’s and youth empowerment, and policy reform, most recently serving as Convener of the 2025 National Stakeholders Summit on Bullying Prevention and Support, a landmark convening that brought together policymakers, civil society, and grassroots advocates to shape actionable frameworks for child and youth protection.

Henshaw’s cultural leadership is equally established. As Co-Host of the Cultural Hangout Festival 2025, she played a central role in curating and platforming heritage-driven artistic exchange, strengthening cross-cultural dialogue and creative tourism. This work will be further extended through her appointment as Administrator of the Platform for Cooperation on Mixed Migration (PCMM), a role that positions her at the forefront of international discourse on migration, displacement, and inclusive cultural integration.

Combining strategic project management, original copywriting, and a growing footprint in social enterprise, Henshaw has consistently produced high-impact, results-driven initiatives that advance both cultural vitality and social justice — credentials that reflect sustained leadership and recognised contribution to the arts and culture sector.

The Platform for Cooperation on Mixed Migration brings together stakeholders working to advance collaborative and rights-based approaches to addressing mixed migration challenges.