The United States deported six Nigerians to their country after they were convicted of various criminal offenses. The deportees arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos on a chartered flight on Tuesday.
Security officials affirmed the crimes committed included fraud, drug-related crimes, and immigration crimes. The deportees were, after disembarkation, arrested by Nigerian security agencies for interrogation and likely prosecution.
The airport sources indicate the deportation was done under a Memorandum of Understanding between Nigeria and the U.S. to deal with cross-border crime as well as immigration control.
Flashback:
This is not the first time that Nigerian nationals have been deported for criminal offenses. Over 60 Nigerians were repatriated from North America and Europe in 2022 for similar issues. Most of those repatriated had committed credit card fraud, identity theft, and overstaying.
The authorities say that the deportations are part of international efforts to stop illegal immigration and combat criminal syndicates. The U.S., UK, and Canada have toughened their immigration filters, especially for those who commit cybercrime and financial fraud.
The Nigerian Immigration Service and the officials of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) were waiting at the airport to scrutinize the returnees and verify their identities. The next action will rely on the investigation in progress in Nigeria.
The authorities advised the public against traveling with fake documents or perpetuating illegality abroad. They also appealed to parents and community leaders to warn youths against the risks of illegal migration and shame it brings to the country.
Lastly, the deportation of the six Nigerians is a step up in Nigeria’s cooperation with the rest of the foreign governments in enforcing the law. It is also a warning to others intending on illicit actions outside the country.
