The United States has confirmed the deportation of 355 West African nationals and released their names and photographs.
The announcement has attracted significant attention across the region, with affected countries preparing to receive returning citizens in the coming weeks.
Deportation figures by country
Official data shows the deportees come from several West African nations:
Nigeria: 110
Ghana: 30
Cameroon: 15
Niger: 8
Benin: 1
Togo: 6
Burkina Faso: 9
Cape Verde: 11
Gambia: 14
Guinea: 6
Liberia: 94
Senegal: 19
Mali: 5
Ivory Coast: 14
Mauritania: 12
Guinea-Bissau: 1
Some of the names released
The list of individuals published includes:
ALEXANDER VORJOLO – Liberia
STEVE MULBAH – Liberia
GALLIMARD KAMTCHOUANG – Cameroon
DESMOND FODJE BOBGA – Cameroon
FRANKLIN DONKOH – Ghana
ADAMS SULEMAN – Ghana
MARIAMA KANU – Sierra Leone
Hassan Jallo – Sierra Leone
KODJO KONDON – Ivory Coast
CESMEL MELEDJE – Ivory Coast
SANA BAYO – Gambia
KEKUTA JATTA – Gambia
OLUWAFEMI OSINOWO – Nigeria
ATIKU BINUYO – Nigeria
The remaining names and photos can be accessed through the official Department of Homeland Security portal, where users can search by selecting a country of origin.
Possible impact on West Africa
This large-scale deportation is expected to create both social and economic challenges in several countries.
Nations such as Liberia and Nigeria, which account for the highest numbers, may face added pressure in reintegrating returnees into their communities.
Overview of the US WOW list
The individuals listed under the US WOW list are West African nationals identified by the United States Department of Homeland Security for deportation.
The “WOW list” refers to individuals from West Africa flagged for removal as part of US immigration enforcement actions.
These deportations are mainly linked to immigration violations, including overstaying visas, unlawful entry, or failure to meet residency requirements.
The publication of names and photos forms part of broader efforts to enforce immigration laws and return individuals without legal status to their countries of origin.
