Australian media have reported that Canberra is preparing to return dozens of its citizens, women and children of ISIS militants, from refugee camps in Syria following a secret mission by the country’s security forces.

The government did not immediately confirm reports of the repatriation of 16 women and 42 children who had been in the camps for three and a half years from the families of dead or imprisoned ISIS fighters.

“The Australian Government’s highest priority is to protect Australians and Australia’s national interests in line with national security advice,” Home Secretary spokeswoman Claire O’Neill said in an emailed comment.

“Given the sensitive nature of these issues, it is inappropriate to make further statements,” she said.

O’Neill did not immediately respond to the opposition’s call for the government to reassure Australians that anyone who might be an extremist poses no threat upon return to Australia.

Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek noted that about 40 Australian children live in a camp in Syria and that some of their mothers were tricked into marrying ISIS fighters when they were young.

“I think when they get back to Australia it will be very important that the kids get psychological help,” Blabersk said on Australian TV.