Lagos, Nigeria – A total of 35 Nigerians, including 5 children, were deported from the Republic of Ireland this week. The group, made up of 21 men, 9 women, and 5 children, arrived in Nigeria on Thursday morning, after being flown in on a chartered plane that left Dublin Airport late Wednesday night.
This deportation was carried out by Ireland’s immigration police, officially known as the Garda National Immigration Bureau, under the direction of the Irish Department of Justice. The Nigerian government, however, seemed unaware of the operation.
“We didn’t know about it,” said Abdur-Rahman Balogun, a spokesperson for the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), when asked about the incident.
Why Were They Deported?
According to Ireland’s Minister for Justice, Jim O’Callaghan, the deportation was part of their effort to strictly follow immigration laws. He stated:
“Ireland has a rules-based immigration system. It is important that those rules are robust and enforced.”
He also said the flight had to make a short stop because of a medical emergency, but everything else went smoothly.
Charter Deportation Flights Are Back
This is not the first time Ireland has deported people using special charter flights. Earlier this year:
- In February, 32 people were deported to Georgia, costing the Irish government over €102,000.
- In May, another 39 were sent to Tbilisi, Georgia’s capital.
These charter flights are part of a new government contract to speed up deportations, especially for people who are not allowed to stay in Ireland or who have been denied asylum.
What the Irish Government Is Saying
Minister O’Callaghan had earlier warned people not to abuse the country’s immigration system.
“If you’re seeking asylum and you’re not entitled to asylum, don’t come to Ireland,” he said.
The Irish Department of Justice also explained that the return of charter flights has helped law enforcement carry out more deportations of people with no legal right to remain in Ireland.
What’s Next for the Returnees?
At this time, it’s unclear what kind of support the deported Nigerians will receive back home. NiDCOM, the Nigerian agency responsible for citizens abroad, has not yet released a full response or plan for assisting the returnees.
Summary:
- 35 Nigerians (including children) were deported from Ireland on Wednesday.
- The deportation was organized by Irish immigration officials.
- Nigeria’s diaspora agency says it was not informed.
- Ireland says it is simply enforcing its immigration laws.
- Charter flights are now a key part of Ireland’s removal strategy.
