The United Kingdom government has deported 43 individuals including failed asylum seekers and convicted foreign offenders — to Nigeria and Ghana, as part of its broader effort to strengthen border security through international cooperation.
According to a report published on gov.uk on Friday, the deportees included 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 latest deportation flight is the second to Nigeria and Ghana since the most recent general election, bringing the total number of people removed to 87. Officials say the move highlights the deepening partnership between the UK and the two West African nations.
The deportation operation forms part of the government’s “Plan for Change,” aimed at restoring order within the immigration system by enforcing immigration laws and swiftly returning those without the legal right to remain.
Since the current administration assumed office, over 24,000 people have been deported — an 11% increase compared to the same period last year. The number of foreign national offenders removed has also risen by 16%, totaling 3,594.
Authorities emphasized that all deportations are conducted “in a dignified and respectful manner.”
Speaking on the operation, the UK Minister for Border Security and Asylum, Angela Eagle, said:
“This flight demonstrates how international partnerships deliver on working people’s priorities for swift returns and secure borders. Through the Plan for Change, we’re going further in restoring order to a broken system, accelerating returns of those with no right to be here and closing expensive asylum hotels.
I thank the governments of Ghana and Nigeria for facilitating this operation, reflecting our joint commitment to disrupt organised immigration crime and protect our borders.”
Baroness Chapman of Darlington, the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) Minister responsible for Irregular Migration, added:
“Working with other countries and partners globally is critical to tackling irregular migration. By working internationally, we can confront this global challenge together.
I welcome our strong cooperation with Ghana and Nigeria to return those with no legal right to remain in the UK, secure our borders, and deliver on the Plan for Change.”
This deportation flight follows the recent Organised Immigration Crime Summit, where the UK hosted representatives from over 40 countries — including Nigeria and Ghana — to strengthen global efforts against smuggling gangs and reinforce border security.
