Canada Deports 366 Nigerians in 2025 as 974 More Await Removal

Canada has intensified its immigration enforcement in 2025, resulting in the deportation of 366 Nigerian nationals between January and October, according to the latest data obtained by LMSINT MEDIA. This surge in removals reflects the fastest pace of deportations in over a decade, signaling a stricter approach to immigration control.

The data, released by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) through its official removals programme statistics, also indicates that 974 Nigerians are currently listed in the “removal in progress” inventory, awaiting deportation from the country.

Updated statistics as of November 25, 2025, show that Nigeria ranks ninth among the top 10 nationalities deported from Canada, while among those awaiting removal, Nigerians hold the fifth position. These numbers underscore Canada’s ongoing focus on enforcing immigration compliance and removing foreign nationals who do not meet legal residency requirements.

Historical Deportation Trends for Nigerians

Examining trends over the past few years reveals fluctuations in Nigerian deportations from Canada:

• 2019: 339 Nigerians deported
• 2020: 302 Nigerians deported
• 2021: 242 Nigerians deported
• 2022: 199 Nigerians deported

Interestingly, Nigeria did not appear in the top 10 deported nationalities in 2023 and 2024 but reappeared in 2025 with 366 removals within just 10 months, marking an eight percent increase compared to 2019 figures.

Canada’s Aggressive Immigration Enforcement

The current surge in deportations aligns with Canada’s broader immigration crackdown. The CBSA now reportedly removes nearly 400 foreign nationals weekly, the highest removal rate in more than ten years. During the fiscal year 2024–2025, Canada deported 18,048 individuals, incurring an estimated $78 million in operational costs.

Under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, the CBSA is mandated to remove any foreign national with an enforceable removal order. Grounds for deportation vary and can include:

• Security concerns
• Violations of human or international rights
• Criminal offences or involvement in organized crime
• Health risks
• Financial inability to support oneself
• Misrepresentation or fraud
• Non-compliance with immigration regulations

Notably, the majority of deportees, approximately 83 percent, are failed refugee claimants whose asylum applications have been denied. This highlights Canada’s continued emphasis on managing its immigration system efficiently and maintaining compliance with its legal framework.

For Nigerians in Canada, these statistics serve as a crucial reminder of the importance of adhering strictly to immigration laws.