35 Nigerians deported from Ireland arrived in Lagos State on Friday following a large-scale immigration enforcement operation led by the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB).
The group, comprising 21 men, nine women, and five children, was removed via a chartered flight from Dublin Airport due to violations of Ireland’s immigration laws, marking the country’s first charter deportation flight to Africa in 2025.
The deportation of the 35 Nigerians from Ireland was confirmed in a press statement issued by the GNIB.
Giving further details, the Irish Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan emphasised the importance of a rules-based immigration system, stressing that adherence to lawful migration channels is vital for fairness and order.
O’Callaghan maintained that the development is expected to send a strong message to those residing in the country without legal permission.
He said: “Ireland has a rules-based immigration system. Those rules must be robust and enforced.
“The return of people whose applications have been refused and deportation orders have been issued is the foundation of any modern rules-based immigration process.
“Removal operations of this nature send a clear message that there are consequences for people who remain in our country without permission and underscore this Government’s intention to protect the integrity of our immigration system.”
The Justice Minister also noted that the flight carrying the 35 Nigerians deported from Ireland encountered a brief disruption due to a medical emergency onboard.
“The flight was required to make an unscheduled stop due to a medical incident on board, but I am happy to say that the flight was able to resume its journey with all 35 returnees arriving safely in Nigeria.”
Pan-Atlantic Kompass reports that in 2025 alone, 1,940 deportation orders have been signed by Irish authorities.
888 individuals have already been deported via various mechanisms, including 54 on commercial flights and 23 unescorted, according to an official report.
