The United States has announced plans to deport 355 nationals from West African countries as part of a renewed immigration enforcement operation.
The move, confirmed by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, forms part of a wider crackdown on individuals found to be residing in the country without legal authorization.
The affected individuals were listed under a programme identified as the West Africa Operations Watch (WOW), which also released names and photographs of those impacted.
Nigeria Records Highest Number of Affected Citizens
According to the list released by U.S. authorities, Nigeria has the highest number of citizens affected, with 110 people marked for deportation.
Other countries with significant numbers include Liberia with 94 citizens and Ghana with 30.
Senegal recorded 19 individuals, while Cameroon has 15 and Ivory Coast alongside Gambia recorded 14 each.
Additional countries on the list include Mauritania (12), Cape Verde (11), Burkina Faso (9), Niger (8), Togo (6), Guinea (6), Mali (5), and both Benin and Guinea-Bissau with one case each.
US Says Action Targets Immigration Violations
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security said the enforcement action is part of ongoing efforts to uphold immigration laws.
According to the agency, many of those listed either overstayed their visas or entered the country without proper documentation.
The operation, officials said, is aimed at ensuring compliance with immigration rules and procedures.
Names of Some Affected Individuals Released
Among those named by U.S. authorities are several individuals from different West African countries, including citizens from Liberia, Cameroon, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Ivory Coast and The Gambia.
The list also includes two Nigerians identified as Oluwafemi Osinowo and Atiku Binuyo, alongside others scheduled for deportation proceedings.
Authorities have not yet provided a timeline for when the deportations will be carried out.
Wider Immigration Crackdown Continues
The development reflects a broader tightening of immigration enforcement policies by U.S. authorities in recent times.
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Officials say the focus remains on identifying individuals who have violated immigration laws, particularly those who overstayed visas or entered the country irregularly.
The latest action is expected to affect families and communities across several West African countries as deportation processes move forward.