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Nigerians Illegally Crossing The Mediterranean Doing So At Their Own Risk, Says Buhari

"We do not support anything illegal and anybody who feels that this country does not avail him or offer him what he should be offered as as a citizen and decides to defy the desert and the Mediterranean, is doing it at his own risk," Buhari stated.

Nigerians who leave the country through illegal means are doing so "at their own risk", President Muhammadu Buhari said on Friday.

The President made the statement while fielding questions during a joint press conference with the German Chancellor, Angela Merkel.

He said Nigeria does not support illegal migration out of the country, which is why the country has been repatriating its citizens from Libya and other African countries.

“We are not in agreement to defy the Sahara desert and the Mediterranean because thy feel that there are greener pastures there, whether they are prepared for it or not. We do not support anything illegal and indiscipline.

"You must recall that about six weeks ago, we repatriated about 3,000 Nigerians that were stuck in Libya. You must have read in the [media] the number of Nigerians lost in the Mediterranean. To us in this administration is very clear."

He noted that the country would continue to repatriate Nigerians stuck abroad and return them to their local government.

His words: "We do not support anything illegal and anybody who feels that this country does not avail him or offer him what he should be offered as as a citizen and decides to defy the desert and the Mediterranean, is doing it at his own risk. But, if found stuck in Libya or anywhere, between his final destination and Nigeria, we will bring him back home and take him back to his to his local government. Thank you very much."

Merkel visited Nigeria for the first time and a number of deals are expected to be signed by the two countries.