Six Nigerians return from US amid deportation crackdown

Six Nigerians have returned to Nigeria from the United States following an intensified immigration crackdown by the Trump administration, according to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA). The returnees were received at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos State on Wednesday. NEMA announced the receipt in a statement posted on its X account, crediting the collaboration with the US Consulate, Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Nigeria Immigration Service, and ExecuJet for the smooth process.

The group consisted of five males and one female, all adults. Following the arrival, the Nigeria Immigration Service carried out necessary documentation and profiling. The NEMA statement did not specify the reasons for the return, whether voluntary or as a result of deportation. The US under President Trump has been increasing immigration enforcement, focusing on stricter rules, expedited removals of undocumented individuals, and targeting those with criminal records.

Nigeria has been a focus of these efforts, with the US Department of Homeland Security listing numerous Nigerian nationals for deportation in 2026, often due to offenses such as fraud and other violations. NEMA's statement emphasized the Federal Government's commitment to ensuring the safe, orderly, and dignified return of Nigerian citizens through coordinated efforts among relevant agencies and partners.