Korede Abdullah in Lagos
At least three Nigerians have been deported from the United States following allegations of their involvement in various criminal activities.
The individuals were among a larger group targeted by U.S. immigration authorities, as part of an initiative to repatriate over 3,000 Nigerians linked to criminal offenses.
Africa Health Report (AHR) reports that the deportees landed at Lagos’ Murtala Muhammed International Airport on Wednesday morning aboard a Delta Airlines flight, arriving just before 9 a.m.
The arrival was met by officials from various Nigerian government agencies, including immigration, security, and health services, tasked with processing and determining the appropriate next steps for the deportees.
“They were received under tight security,” said a source familiar with the procedure, who noted that screenings and debriefings would follow before decisions on reintegration or further legal action are made.
The deportations are consistent with U.S. policy shifts under former President Donald Trump, whose administration was known for a hardline stance on immigration.
“This is part of a broader effort to clean up the system and enforce immigration laws more strictly,” said a U.S. Department of Homeland Security official.
While some human rights advocates have raised concerns about due process and the conditions of deportation, U.S. officials maintain that only individuals with verified criminal records or immigration violations are affected.
