LONDON (CHATNEWSTV) — The British government deported 43 people to Nigeria and Ghana this week as part of its intensifying campaign to curb irregular migration and enforce immigration laws under its “Plan for Change” initiative.
The Home Office confirmed that the charter flight included 15 failed asylum seekers, 11 foreign offenders who had completed prison sentences, and 7 individuals who returned voluntarily. The remaining passengers were classified as having no legal right to remain in the United Kingdom.
“This flight demonstrates how international partnerships deliver on working people’s priorities for swift returns and secure borders,” said Angela Eagle, Minister for Border Security and Asylum. “Through the Plan for Change, we’re going further in restoring order to a broken system.”
According to officials, the operation marked the second such flight to West Africa since the general election, bringing the total number of deportees to 87. The government hailed it as a sign of “strong cooperation” with Ghana and Nigeria.
“I thank the governments of Ghana and Nigeria for facilitating this operation,” Eagle added, “which reflects our joint commitment to disrupt organised immigration crime and protect our borders.”
Baroness Chapman of Darlington, the Foreign Office minister responsible for irregular migration, emphasized the importance of international collaboration.
“Working with other countries and partners around the world is critical to tackling irregular migration,” she said. “By working internationally, we will meet this global challenge together.”
Government figures show over 24,000 individuals have been removed from the UK since the election — an 11% increase over the same period last year. Deportations of foreign national offenders are also up 16%, with 3,594 criminals removed.
The Home Office said all returns are carried out in a “dignified and respectful manner.”
The latest flight follows the UK-led Organised Immigration Crime Summit, which brought together representatives from over 40 countries — including Nigeria and Ghana — in a coordinated effort to disrupt human smuggling networks and reinforce border security.
Editor: Gabriel Ani
