Racism group slams round-up of Nigerian nationals

An unknown number of Nigerian nationals are being arrested for deportation by the Gardaí today, according to a group campaigning for better treatment of immigrants and asylum seekers.

Residents Against Racism said it had received reports of several arrests throughout the country and believed the Nigerians would be deported to Lagos on a clandestine flight from Dublin tonight.

The group has previously criticised the Government's policy of rounding up failed asylum seekers and deporting them under cover of darkness on specially chartered flights.

It said some of the people being detained today fled Nigeria for fear of being forced to undergo female circumcision, while others had grown up in Ireland and were much more Irish than Nigerian.

Residents Against Racism wants responsibility for asylum and immigration to be taken away from the Government and given to an independent agency.