Deportation Drama: Nigerians In Handcuffs

Deportation Drama: Nigerians In Handcuffs

The Federal Government has announced its readiness to receive Nigerian deportees amid the ongoing U.S. immigration crackdown, which has already seen thousands of undocumented migrants removed…READ MORE…

Reports indicate that approximately 5,144 Nigerians are at risk of deportation in the first phase of President Donald Trump’s sweeping policy against illegal immigration. This figure includes both detained and non-detained Nigerian nationals with final removal orders issued by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

According to available data, out of 1,454 Nigerians currently in ICE custody, 772 were arrested for criminal convictions or pending charges, while others face deportation due to immigration violations, such as visa overstays.

So far, 417 Nigerians were deported as of November 2024, while 884 have been removed between 2019 and 2024.

This deportation wave has sparked global concerns, with some nations, including Colombia, Mexico, and Brazil, condemning the treatment of their citizens. These governments have protested the use of military aircraft for deportation and the alleged degrading treatment of deportees, including being handcuffed during flights.

Colombian President Gustavo Petro denounced the practice, stating that his country would not return Americans in such a manner. Meanwhile, Brazil’s foreign ministry criticized the U.S. for mistreating Brazilian deportees and intervened to have their handcuffs removed mid-flight.

With growing concerns about the possible treatment of Nigerian deportees, the Federal Government has set up an inter-agency committee, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, and the Office of the National Security Adviser, to manage the situation.

NiDCOM Chairman, Hon. Abike Dabiri, reaffirmed that the committee is fully prepared to handle any large-scale deportation.

Commenting on the economic impact, former Nigerian Ambassador to the U.S., Joe Keshi, suggested that improving Nigeria’s economy could curb the mass migration trend known as the “Japa syndrome.” He noted that while deportation may not significantly affect the economy, families depending on remittances from abroad could face financial hardship.

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