Hundreds of Nigerian citizens have been repatriated from South Africa following weeks of escalating anti-immigrant tensions and violent attacks. The initial group of 268 Nigerians arrived back in Nigeria on Thursday, marking the start of an urgent, voluntary repatriation operation. Nigeria has initiated the process to bring its citizens home due to the xenophobic violence. At least 1,094 Nigerians are seeking to be repatriated, with the selection process in Pretoria extended to Sunday to accommodate the increasing number of applicants. The unrest stems from recurring xenophobia in South Africa, often manifesting in violent protests in vulnerable communities. Mozambique has also been affected, with 600 Mozambican citizens already repatriated. The Nigerian Foreign Ministry is overseeing the repatriation efforts, with the interim ambassador accompanying the first group.