The Italian government on Tuesday deported 40 Nigerians for immigration and criminal offences.

The deportees, comprising males and females arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos at about 8:25pm aboard an Air Meridiana aircraft with registration number E1-FNU.

The deportation is coming few days after the repatriation of 23 Nigerians for similar offences, from the United Kingdom.

An immigration source said 39 of the deportees were returned because of immigration offences while one, a male was returned because of his involvement in drug related matters.

The source added that the returnee with drug-related issue would be handed over to police for further prosecution while others who were profiled by officials of the Nigeria Immigration Service would be assisted home.

Punchng