The United Kingdom has deported 43 Nigerians as part of its ongoing efforts to tighten immigration controls, according to a statement published Friday on the official government website, gov.uk.
Among those deported were 15 failed asylum seekers and 11 foreign national offenders who had completed their prison sentences. Additionally, seven individuals chose to leave the UK voluntarily.
This deportation flight is part of the UK government’s “Plan for Change,” which aims to strengthen the immigration system by swiftly removing individuals without legal rights to stay.
It marks the second deportation flight to Nigeria and Ghana since the last general election, bringing the total number of people deported under the new administration to 87.
Officials praised the growing cooperation between the UK and Nigeria in managing migration challenges. Since the current government took office, over 24,000 people have been deported — an 11% increase compared to the same period last year. Deportations of foreign national offenders have also risen by 16%, with 3,594 criminals removed.
Authorities stressed that all deportations are conducted “in a dignified and respectful manner.”
UK Minister for Border Security and Asylum, Angela Eagle, said: “This flight shows how international partnerships are delivering on priorities like swift returns and secure borders.
“Through the Plan for Change, we are restoring order to a broken system, speeding up the return of those who have no right to stay, and reducing the use of costly asylum hotels.”
She also thanked the governments of Nigeria and Ghana for their support, noting that their cooperation helps combat organised immigration crime and protect national borders.
Baroness Chapman of Darlington, the FCDO Minister for Irregular Migration, added: “Working closely with other countries is key to managing irregular migration. I commend our strong collaboration with Nigeria and Ghana to return those with no right to be here and uphold our immigration policies.”
This deportation comes shortly after the Organised Immigration Crime Summit, which gathered delegates from over 40 countries, including Nigeria and Ghana, to strengthen global efforts against smuggling gangs and improve international migration management.
