Six Nigerians return from US amid deportation crackdown

The arrested Ugandan woman, Farida Nansubuga. Credit: NDLEA.

Six Nigerians have returned to the country from the United States amid President Donald Trump administration’s intensified immigration crackdown, with the National Emergency Management Agency receiving them at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos State.

NEMA disclosed this in a statement posted on its X handle on Sunday, saying the returnees arrived at the airport’s cargo terminal on Wednesday.

The agency said the reception exercise was conducted through its Lagos Operations Office in collaboration with the United States Consulate, the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Nigeria Immigration Service and ExecuJet.

“The returnees arrived at approximately 10:13pm aboard a Beechcraft 1900 aircraft with registration number N62FF. The group comprised five males and one female, all adults.

“Upon arrival, officers of the Nigeria Immigration Service conducted the necessary immigration documentation and profiling to ensure proper identification, record-keeping and a smooth arrival process.

“NEMA coordinated the reception in collaboration with the relevant agencies, while necessary reception and post-arrival support services were provided to facilitate the returnees’ transition following their arrival in the country,” the statement said.

The agency did not state the circumstances under which the six returned, including whether they were deported or returned voluntarily.

Under President Trump, the US has intensified immigration enforcement, prioritising stricter rules, accelerated removals of individuals without legal status and targeting those with criminal records through initiatives such as the “worst of the worst” lists and West Africa Operations Watch.

Nigeria has featured prominently in these efforts, with the US Department of Homeland Security publishing multiple lists of Nigerian nationals identified for deportation in 2026, often in connection with offences including fraud and other violations.

Meanwhile, NEMA said the return exercise reflected the Federal Government’s efforts to ensure the safe, orderly and dignified return of Nigerian citizens through coordinated engagement among relevant agencies and partners.