The Irish government has announced the deportation of six unnamed Nigerians with a total of 35 criminal convictions from Ireland to Nigeria in a joint operation by Frontex, the European Border and Coast Guard Agency. 

The Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, Jim O’Callaghan, noted the completion of the deportation process in a statement on July 28, stating that the charter flight departed from Dublin, proceeded to Rome before landing in Lagos on the same day. 

According to authorities, all the six deportees were male and aged between 25 and 40 years old, with five of them having a combined 35 convictions for various criminal offences. 

“The Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration Jim O’Callaghan has this evening confirmed the completion of a successful deportation operation to Nigeria. Deportation orders were enforced against six Nigerian nationals, five of whom have a combined total of 35 criminal convictions,” the Irish government said. 

It added, “The six male deportees ranging in age from 25-40 years were removed from the state via a charter flight to Rome where they subsequently joined a Joint Return Operation to Nigeria managed by Frontex, the European Border and Coast Guard Agency.

“The flight departed Dublin Airport at 07:40 today and landed in Rome, Italy at 10:34 (Irish time). The Frontex operation departed Rome just after 13:00 (Irish time) and landed in Lagos, Nigeria around 21:00 (Irish time).”

The minister added that the individuals were accompanied by security personnel, medical staff, an interpreter and a human rights observer, with the operation costing over €76,000. 

The Irish government also noted that more deportation flights were scheduled to be carried out throughout the remainder of the year. 

“The returnees were accompanied on the flight by members of An Garda Síochána, medical staff, an interpreter and a human rights observer. Further charter operations will be conducted throughout 2026. 

“The cost for the provision of the aircraft for this operation is €76,895 (ex VAT) for a single flight,” the government added. 

Commenting on the operation, Mr O’Callaghan said, “Our immigration system must be rules-based and robust. The enforcement aspects of our laws, including deportation orders, are an essential requirement for the system to work effectively and to ensure there is public confidence in the application of our legislation in this area.” 

He added, “I will take action if our laws are not upheld and this includes enforcing deportations for individuals involved in criminality and who pose a danger to society. Today’s operation underpins my commitment in this area.

“This operation was a successful collaboration with our European partners through Frontex. I want to commend the members of An Garda Síochána and officials from my department for their continued work and professionalism in successfully conducting these complex and necessary operations.”