The United Kingdom, UK, has deported 43 Nigerians as part of its latest move to tighten immigration controls.
A report published on the UK government official website, gov.uk, on Friday listed 15 failed asylum seekers and 11 foreign national offenders who had completed their prison sentences as part of the deportees.
It further states that seven others voluntarily left the UK as part of the operation.
The deportation aimed at restoring discipline within the immigration system by ensuring that those without the legal right to remain are swiftly removed.
The development marks the second deportation flight to Nigeria and Ghana since the last general election.
It brings the total number of deportees under the new administration to 87.
Officials highlighted the growing collaboration between the UK and Nigeria on migration management.
Authorities stressed that all deportations are carried out “in a dignified and respectful manner.”
Speaking on the development, the UK Minister for Border Security and Asylum, Angela Eagle, pointed out that the flight demonstrates how international partnerships deliver on working people’s priorities for swift returns and secure borders.
She commended the Nigerian government for facilitating the deportations and described it as a reflection of joint efforts to disrupt organized immigration crime and protect national borders.
This latest deportation follows the recent Organized Immigration Crime Summit, which gathered representatives from over 40 countries to intensify the global fight against smuggling gangs and improve international migration management.
Since the current government in the UK took over office, over 24,000 persons were said to have been deported, which represents an 11 percent increase compared to the same period last year.
Deportations of foreign national offenders have also witnessed a 16 percent rise, with 3,594 criminals removed.
