The United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills Jr, has disclosed the categories of Nigerians to be deported.
He stated this during a meeting with Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu.
The US Ambassador also disclosed that all the deportees will be repatriated exclusively to Lagos.
According to him, the first group to be repatriated would consist of convicted prisoners, those who had committed crimes and are currently serving sentences in U.S. prisons.
Mills Jr. noted that the deportation process would be streamlined, with no considerations for alternative destinations such as Port Harcourt or Abuja.
He said others included individuals who had clearly violated U.S. immigration laws, appealed their cases but were denied, and remained in the country unlawfully.
He said: “The first group to be repatriated will consist of convicted prisoners—those who have committed crimes and are currently serving sentences in U.S. prisons. Others include individuals who have clearly violated U.S. immigration laws, appealed their cases but were denied, and remained in the country unlawfully.”
In response, Odumegwu-Ojukwu urged the U.S. government to adhere to international conventions on deportation and ensure a dignified process for affected Nigerians.
“These individuals have families who depend on them, and their sudden return will create financial and emotional strain,” she said.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu also questioned whether deportees would be granted sufficient time to manage their assets before being repatriated.
“We need clarity on whether these individuals will be given time to settle their affairs or if they will simply be bundled onto planes.
“This process will be particularly traumatic for those who have not committed violent crimes,” Odumegwu-Ojukwu added.
