Three Nigerians have been deported from the United States for various offenses, arriving at Lagos’ Murtala Muhammed International Airport on May 14. Their removal is part of a larger U.S. government initiative to deport thousands of Nigerians who have been found guilty of crimes or immigration violations.
This latest deportation comes as the U.S. intensifies its immigration enforcement under the Trump administration, which has pledged to carry out mass deportations and streamline migration policies. Reports indicate that over 3,000 Nigerians are currently at risk of deportation from the United States, with about 201 Nigerians detained in immigration centers and at least 85 already cleared for removal.
According to U.S. officials, the first groups to be repatriated include individuals convicted of crimes and those who have violated immigration laws and exhausted their legal appeals. All deportees are being returned exclusively to Lagos, with no alternative destinations considered.
The Nigerian government has expressed concern over the emotional and financial impact on families, especially as many depend on remittances from relatives in the U.S. Nigerian authorities have called for the U.S. to adhere to international conventions, urging that deportations be conducted with dignity and that affected individuals be given adequate time to settle their affairs before removal.
There are also concerns about the abruptness of the process, particularly for those without a history of violent offenses. The Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has engaged with U.S. officials, seeking assurances that deportations will be handled humanely and in accordance with established protocols.
The situation has sparked debate about the broader implications for Nigerian communities both in the U.S. and at home, as remittances and family connections are disrupted by the ongoing deportations.
