The Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) has confirmed the deportation of 35 Nigerian nationals due to immigration-related offences. According to a statement from the bureau, the deported individuals included nine women and five children, all of whom were part of family groups.

The deportation was carried out via a chartered flight that departed Dublin Airport on the night of Wednesday, June 4, 2025, bound for Nigeria. This marks the third chartered deportation operation by Irish authorities since the country began using such flights in February 2025. However, it is the first such removal to Africa this year, as reported by Irish Legal News.

Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan emphasized the importance of enforcing immigration laws, stating, “Ireland operates a rules-based immigration system. Ensuring that those rules are applied consistently is essential. The removal of individuals whose asylum claims have been rejected, and for whom deportation orders have been issued, is fundamental to maintaining this system.”

He added, “Those seeking to reside in Ireland must follow legal immigration channels. Protecting these pathways is critical for the fairness and functionality of our system. If a person is denied international protection and issued a deportation order, they are obligated to leave the country.”

The minister noted that this third charter operation sends a strong message about the consequences of overstaying without legal permission. “Such actions affirm our government’s commitment to safeguarding the integrity of the immigration system,” he said.

The deportation flight reportedly experienced an unscheduled stop due to a medical emergency on board. Nonetheless, all 35 individuals safely arrived in Nigeria on Thursday morning.