February 17, 2025 — The United States has announced plans to deport Nigerian nationals who have either been convicted of crimes or violated U.S. immigration laws, with the first batch set to be repatriated directly to Lagos.
U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills Jr., made this known during a meeting with Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu.
He emphasized that the deportation process would prioritize individuals currently serving prison sentences, followed by those who have exhausted all appeal options and remained in the country unlawfully.
“The first group to be repatriated will consist of convicted prisoners—those currently serving sentences in U.S. prisons. Others include individuals who have violated U.S. immigration laws, appealed their cases but were denied, and remained in the country illegally,” Mills Jr. stated.
He also clarified that all deportations would be routed exclusively through Lagos, ruling out alternative destinations such as Port Harcourt or Abuja.
Nigeria Urges U.S. to Ensure Humane Repatriation
In response, Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu called on the U.S. government to ensure that the deportation process adheres to international conventions and respects the dignity of affected Nigerians.
“With the new U.S. administration, we hope for a commitment to humane repatriation. Currently, about 201 Nigerians are in U.S. immigration detention camps, with 85 already cleared for deportation,” she stated.
She also raised concerns about the financial and emotional burdens deportation would place on the families of returnees and questioned whether deportees would be given enough time to manage their assets before being repatriated.
“We need clarity on whether they will be given time to settle their affairs or simply be placed on planes without consideration. This process will be especially distressing for those who have not committed violent crimes,” she added.
The development comes amid increasing efforts by the U.S. government to enforce immigration policies, affecting foreign nationals who have violated immigration laws or have criminal records.
