Six Nigerian nationals removed from State on flight

Six Nigerian nationals have been deported as part of a joint operation involving the European Border and Coast Guard Agency, Frontex.

The six men, aged between 25 and 40, were removed from the State after deportation orders were enforced against them.

Five of them had a combined total of 35 criminal convictions according to the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration.

In a statement, it said the men were flown on a charter flight from Dublin Airport to Rome (on Tuesday morning), where they joined a Frontex Joint Return Operation to Nigeria.

They were accompanied by members of An Garda Síochána, medical staff, an interpreter and an independent human rights observer.

The Department confirmed the charter flight cost €76,895, excluding VAT, although the total cost of the operation has yet to be finalised.

Officials also said further charter deportation flights will take place throughout 2026.

1,294 people have left the State so far in 2026 through either enforced deportation or voluntary return schemes.

Voluntary return remains the Government's preferred option for people without legal permission to remain in Ireland, although it is not offered to those who have committed serious crimes in the State.