In a recent immigration enforcement operation, the Republic of Ireland deported no fewer than 35 Nigerian nationals, including five children, via a chartered flight. The deportation flight departed from Dublin Airport on Wednesday night and landed in Nigeria on Thursday, Irish media outlet Irish Mirror reported.
The group comprised 21 men, nine women, and five children. An unscheduled stopover occurred during the journey due to a medical emergency onboard, but the flight later continued to its final destination in Nigeria.
Commenting on the operation, Irish Minister for Justice, Jim O’Callaghan, confirmed the deportations, stating, “I am happy to say all of them have returned to Nigeria.” While the Irish government did not disclose specific reasons for the removal of these individuals, O’Callaghan emphasized the importance of upholding immigration laws.
“Ireland operates a rules-based immigration system. It is essential that these rules are robust and enforced,” he added.
In a related development, Nigeria’s official diaspora agency, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), said it was not informed about the deportation of its nationals from Ireland.
The deportation comes amid heightened global immigration enforcement efforts, with several countries tightening regulations and deporting undocumented migrants.
