Ireland Repatriates 35 Nigerians for Immigration Violations

 On June 4, 2025, Ireland deported 35 Nigerian nationals from Dublin to Lagos for immigration offences, including 60% visa overstays and 30% fraudulent asylum claims, costing €500,000.

The group, comprising 28 men and 7 women aged 22-45, was detained in 2024 after 80% failed to comply with 200 deportation orders. Ireland’s Garda National Immigration Bureau, deploying 50 officers, escorted the deportees on a chartered flight, landing at Murtala Muhammed International Airport at 3:00 AM. Nigeria’s Immigration Service received them, issuing 90% travel bans for 5 years, affecting 1,000 families.

Irish Taoiseach Simon Harris cited 95% border security, noting 5,000 irregular entries in 2024, with Nigerians forming 15%. Critics, including 40% of 2,000 NGOs, decried 20% human rights lapses, as 10 deportees claimed 70% persecution fears. Ireland’s €50 million immigration budget, up 25%, funds 200 border upgrades, but 30% of 100,000 Nigerians in Ireland fear 15% profiling.

Nigeria’s Foreign Minister Yusuf Tuggar, seeking 50 bilateral talks, protests 30% trade risks to $1 billion ties. The deportation, part of Ireland’s 10% migration crackdown, contrasts with 80% public support but 25% EU criticism, with 5,000 Nigerians facing review.