Ireland Deports 35 Nigerians, Including Five Children, Back to Nigeria

In a significant deportation move, the Republic of Ireland has sent back 35 Nigerian nationals, comprising 21 men, nine women, and five children, to Nigeria on a chartered flight. The flight departed from Dublin Airport on Wednesday night and landed in Nigeria on Thursday.

Irish Minister for Justice, Jim O’Callaghan, confirmed the deportation, stating that all 35 individuals returned to Nigeria despite a brief, unscheduled stopover due to a medical incident onboard. When asked about the reasons behind the deportation, O’Callaghan emphasized Ireland’s rules-based immigration system, saying, “It is important that those rules are robust and enforced.”

The Irish government did not provide a detailed explanation for the deportation. However, the minister’s statement suggests that the individuals may have violated Ireland’s immigration laws or failed to meet the necessary requirements for staying in the country.

The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) claimed to be unaware of the deportation. This raises questions about the level of coordination between Irish authorities and Nigerian agencies regarding repatriation efforts.

The deportation highlights Ireland’s efforts to enforce its immigration policies. It also underscores the complexities surrounding international migration and the need for cooperation between countries to manage migration flows effectively.