Trump Administration Targets 5,144 Nigerians for Deportation…Nigeria Steps Up Fight Against Terrorism Financing…UN Officials Call for Continued Support in Insurgency-Hit Nigerian Communities…Three Arrested for Selling Stolen Motorcycles to Terrorists
● Nearly 3,700 Nigerians Face Deportation as U.S. Immigration Crackdown Intensifies
Nigerian media has reported that 3,690 Nigerians in the United States have final removal orders and are at risk of deportation as the Trump administration ramps up its immigration crackdown. The reports say the information is from data by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Additionally, 1,454 Nigerians are currently in ICE custody awaiting deportation, bringing the total to 5,144. ICE records reportedly show that 772 of those detained were arrested for criminal convictions or pending charges, while the rest face immigration violations like visa overstays. The agency is also reported to have confirmed that 417 Nigerians were deported in 2024, with 884 removed between 2019 and 2024.
Reacting to the news, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission has stated that the Nigerian government is prepared to receive its citizens “should there be mass deportation of Nigerians from the U.S.”
● Nigeria Fights to Exit FATF Grey List as Police Crack Down on Financial Crimes
The Nigerian Police Force (NPF) is working to get the country off the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list. Nigeria was added to the list in February 2023 as a high-risk country for money laundering and terrorism financing.
Spokesman of the NPF ACP Muyiwa Adejobi said the police have created specialized units, including the Special Anti-Fraud Unit, the National Cybercrime Centre, and a new Anti-Money Laundering Unit, to address these issues. “Collectively, these initiatives aim to enhance Nigeria’s compliance with international standards and facilitate the country’s removal from the FATF grey list,” Adejobi stated.
Over the past year, these units have arrested 1,088 suspects, secured 152 convictions, and recovered over $11,450,000 and ₦142,261,254,228.80. “The progress made by the force in investigations, arrests, and prosecutions demonstrates the determination to protect the integrity of Nigeria’s financial system,” Adejobi said.
● UN Officials Push for More Support for Nigerian Communities Affected by Insurgency
A United Nations delegation visiting Bama town in Maiduguri, Borno State Capital City, has emphasized the need for onging support to communities affected by insurgency in Northeast Nigeria.
Led by Leonardo Santos Simão, Abdou Abarry, and Mohamed M. Fall, the team assessed progress in humanitarian aid, livelihood support for displaced people, and reintegration efforts.
“Bama illustrates the situation of many communities across the Lake Chad Basin impacted by 16 years of conflict in the region,” said Fall. “This has made it difficult for communities to carry out livelihood activities, including farming, fishing, and firewood collection. This has increased their dependence on humanitarian assistance.”
He urged sustained support to reduce reliance on aid to help communities rebuild and achieve long-term stability.
● Police Arrest Syndicate Supplying Motorcycles to Boko Haram in Northern Nigeria
Police in Nigeria have arrested three men accused of supplying motorcycles to Boko Haram terrorists in Niger and Kaduna states.
Assistant Inspector General of Police Benneth Igweh announced the arrests on Tuesday in Abuja, saying the suspects were caught in Suleja, Niger State, following an intelligence-led operation.
“The syndicate specializes in the trade and modification of stolen motorcycles, which are sold or rented to criminals, including suspected Boko Haram operatives,” Igweh said.
The suspects—Shamsuddeen Yunusa, 30; Zaharadeen Saidu, 25; and Mustapha Haruna, 22—were found with 22 motorcycles, stolen phones, and master keys. Yunusa allegedly sold motorcycles for up to N250,000 ($164), while Saidu transported them to buyers. Haruna, a mechanic, repaired the bikes before delivery.
What’s News Today? January 30, 2025, compiled by Ezinwanne Onwuka for TruthNigeria from Abuja.
