In one of the largest removals conducted this year, 35 Nigerian nationals were deported from Ireland on Wednesday, including five children, following a chartered flight operation overseen by Irish immigration authorities.
According to An Garda Síochána, the individuals consisted of 21 men, nine women, and five children, all of whom were part of family units. The group was flown from Dublin Airport to Nigeria in a government-chartered aircraft, marking the third such deportation flight since February.
The removals were coordinated by the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB), with logistical support from the Department of Justice. A Garda spokesperson confirmed that the operation was carried out as part of the continued enforcement of Ireland’s immigration laws.
“An Garda Síochána continues to work closely with the Department of Justice in implementing the State’s immigration policies,” the force said in a statement.
Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan commented on the significance of the operation, stating that it demonstrates the government’s commitment to upholding immigration rules.
“Removal operations of this nature send a clear message that there are consequences for people who remain in our country without permission,” said O’Callaghan. “It underscores the Government’s intention to protect the integrity of our immigration system.”
The Department of Justice confirmed that the use of chartered aircraft has notably increased GNIB’s capacity to enforce deportation orders efficiently, particularly when removing multiple individuals to the same country.
“Charter flights are not only more effective in such cases but also more secure,” a department spokesperson said, adding that additional operations are planned for later this year.
During Wednesday’s operation, the flight was forced to make an unscheduled stop due to a medical emergency involving one of the deportees. The issue was resolved on board, and the flight resumed, arriving safely in Nigeria with all 35 individuals accounted for.
O’Callaghan stressed that deportations are not the first resort, noting that individuals are initially encouraged to return voluntarily.
“Before a deportation order is issued, individuals are offered support through assisted voluntary return programmes. We have seen a notable rise in voluntary departures, and we urge others to consider this route where applicable,” he said.
Ireland’s approach, he added, remains rooted in the principle of a fair and enforceable immigration system. “People coming to Ireland must follow the proper legal pathways. If an application for international protection is denied, individuals must comply with the resulting deportation orders.”
In addition to the 35 people deported on Wednesday, a total of 71 people had previously been removed via charter flights in 2025. This brings the year’s total to 106 deportations by charter.
Commercial flights have also been used to enforce 54 deportation orders this year. Furthermore, another 23 individuals
