UK Intensifies Border Security Efforts, Deports 43 Nigerians, Ghanaians
The United Kingdom Government has deported 43 individuals to Nigeria and Ghana as part of its strengthened border security measures under the “Plan for Change” initiative.
According to a report published Friday on gov.uk, the deportees included 15 failed asylum seekers, 11 foreign national offenders who had completed their prison sentences, and seven individuals who voluntarily chose to return.
This marks the second deportation flight to Nigeria and Ghana since the last general election, bringing the total number of individuals deported to the two West African countries to 87. Officials say the growing number reflects stronger diplomatic cooperation between the UK, Nigeria, and Ghana on immigration enforcement.
Since the current administration took office, over 24,000 individuals have been removed—an 11% increase compared to the previous year. Deportations of foreign national offenders specifically rose by 16%, with 3,594 criminals removed during the period.
Authorities stressed that all deportations were carried out “in a dignified and respectful manner.”
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Commenting on the operation, 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.”
She also expressed gratitude to the governments of Nigeria and Ghana for their cooperation, emphasizing a shared commitment to tackling organized immigration crime.
Similarly, Baroness Chapman of Darlington, Minister for Irregular Migration at the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), noted, “Working internationally is critical to tackling irregular migration. I welcome our strong cooperation with Ghana and Nigeria to return those with no right to be in the UK and deliver on the Plan for Change.”
The latest deportation follows the Organised Immigration Crime Summit, where the UK convened representatives from over 40 countries, including Nigeria and Ghana, to step up efforts against human smuggling networks and strengthen global border security.
By PRNigeria
