The United Kingdom has deported 43 individuals, including failed asylum seekers and foreign offenders, to Nigeria and Ghana, according to a joint statement released by the UK Home Office and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).
Although the statement did not specify the exact date of the deportation flight, it confirmed that 15 failed asylum seekers and 11 foreign nationals who had completed prison sentences were among those removed. In addition, seven individuals chose to return voluntarily. The breakdown of how many people were sent to each country was not disclosed, and it remains unclear whether all 43 individuals were citizens of Nigeria or Ghana.
This latest deportation is part of the UK’s continued effort to return individuals with no legal right to remain in the country. Since Prime Minister Keir Starmer took office in 2024, two charter flights have now removed a total of 87 people to Nigeria and Ghana. In October 2024, the UK carried out its largest single deportation operation to the region, sending 44 people back to the two West African countries.
The focus on Nigeria and Ghana comes after the UK’s controversial 2022 migration deal with Rwanda was ruled unlawful by the UK Supreme Court in 2023. The plan had proposed relocating asylum seekers to Rwanda for processing and resettlement. Following its collapse, the UK reportedly entered into a deportation agreement with Nigeria to facilitate the return of its nationals.
Angela Eagle, the UK’s Minister for Border Security and Asylum, thanked both Nigeria and Ghana for their support in carrying out the latest operation. “This operation reflects the strong partnership between the UK, Nigeria, and Ghana in tackling illegal migration,” the statement said.
The UK government continues to emphasise international cooperation as it handles migration issues. While deportation flights remain controversial, they are a key part of current UK immigration enforcement policy. The participation of governments like Nigeria and Ghana is seen as vital in ensuring the returns take place smoothly.
As the UK adjusts its migration strategy following the end of the Rwanda deal, countries with strong diplomatic ties to London are expected to play a more active role in repatriation efforts.
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