The Federal Government has confirmed the deportation of 35 Nigerian nationals from the Republic of Ireland over various immigration-related offences.
The deportees, who arrived at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, aboard a chartered flight in the early hours of Tuesday, were received by officials of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), and other relevant agencies.
According to immigration authorities, the deportation followed due legal processes in Ireland, where the affected individuals were found to have violated immigration laws, including overstaying their visas, seeking asylum under false pretences, and lacking valid travel documents.
A senior official of the NIS, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the deportees were screened on arrival and provided with necessary support, including medical checks and transportation to their respective states of origin.
“These deportations are part of Ireland’s ongoing enforcement of its immigration policies. We are working closely with foreign missions to ensure that Nigerian citizens abroad are protected, but also held accountable when laws are breached,” the official said.
The Nigerian government, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has reiterated its commitment to engaging diplomatic channels to safeguard the rights of its citizens abroad. However, it also urged Nigerians to abide by the laws of their host countries to avoid such situations.
This deportation marks the latest in a series of repatriations from European nations as immigration regulations tighten across the continent. Authorities also hinted that similar deportation flights may occur from other countries in the coming months.
