The Ireland government has deported 35 Nigerians in a sweeping immigration enforcement operation. The deportees who include nine women and five children, were deported from Ireland to Nigeria on Wednesday.
The deportees were flown out on a chartered flight that departed from Dublin Airport late last night, according to a statement issued by An Garda Síochána, Ireland’s national police service.
Irish Prime Minister, Simon Harris
The Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB), which led the operation, confirmed that the group included 21 adult males, nine adult females, and five children. The children were part of family units, Gardaí clarified.
“Yesterday, Wednesday 4th June 2025, the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) of An Garda Síochána carried out an operation removing individuals from the State.
“The operation resulted in the removal of 35 individuals (21 males, nine females, and five children). An Garda Síochána continues to work closely with the Department of Justice in implementing immigration policy,” ,” the statement read.
Ireland deportees
The operation was carried out as part of Ireland’s enforcement of immigration rules, which include the deportation of individuals who have exhausted all legal avenues to remain in the country.
While the identities of those deported were not released, immigration advocacy groups have already raised concerns about the pace and scale of deportations in recent months, urging the government to consider more compassionate and case-by-case assessments.
This action of Irish government has generated concern and panic among Nigerian in the diaspora who are still struggling to get their residence permit.
Irish Deportees
Since 2022, there has been growing increase in the number of asylum seekers trooping into Ireland. This growing has caused concern for Irish locals who have been protesting the surge in migrants’ number in their country. There has been a sharp increase in arson attacks on properties around the country linked to accommodating asylum seekers. During violent riots in Dublin last November that were sparked by unrest over increased immigration and ignited by a knife attack outside a school, rioters also targeted a number of properties used to house asylum seekers. Ireland’s Prime Minister Simon Harris has condemned the arson attacks on properties.
