ABUJA — Nigeria has completed the voluntary evacuation of 1,490 of its citizens from South Africa following a series of xenophobic attacks against foreign nationals. The Nigerian government said the evacuation was undertaken after discussions with South African authorities over security concerns affecting Nigerians and other African migrants. The final evacuation flight brought 305 Nigerians home from Johannesburg, bringing the total number of returnees to 1,490. The evacuation followed growing concerns over attacks and threats against foreign nationals in South Africa. Nigerian officials have repeatedly condemned xenophobia and violence against Nigerians, stressing that the safety of citizens abroad remains a priority for the government. The development has renewed attention on the long-running problem of xenophobia in South Africa and its implications for relations between African countries. South Africa hosts large migrant communities from across the continent, including Nigerians, Zimbabweans, Mozambicans, Malawians, Ghanaians and other nationalities. Many migrants move to South Africa for employment, business, education and other opportunities. Some establish small businesses and become part of local communities. However, foreign nationals have periodically faced hostility, particularly during periods of economic hardship and high unemployment. Migrants are sometimes accused of taking jobs, competing with local businesses or contributing to crime. Government officials and rights organisations have repeatedly rejected collective blame and argued that criminal behaviour should be dealt with through the justice system rather than directed at entire nationalities. Xenophobic attacks can have serious consequences for both individuals and diplomatic relations. Businesses can be destroyed, families can be displaced and migrants can lose their livelihoods. Governments may then be forced to organise evacuations or emergency assistance for citizens who no longer feel safe. Nigeria and South Africa maintain important political and economic ties and are two of the continent's most influential countries. Their relationship includes trade, investment, diplomacy and cooperation through African institutions. Incidents involving the mistreatment of Nigerians in South Africa can therefore generate significant public and political reactions in Nigeria. The evacuation also highlights the vulnerability of migrants who may have lived in a country for many years but suddenly become targets because of their nationality. Returning home can provide immediate safety, but it can also create economic difficulties for people who lose businesses, employment or property. Some returnees may have to rebuild their lives after arriving in Nigeria. The Nigerian government has continued to call for peaceful coexistence and stronger protection for foreign nationals in South Africa. South African authorities have also condemned xenophobic violence and have a responsibility to prevent attacks and prosecute those responsible. Effective law enforcement is essential because failure to hold perpetrators accountable can encourage further violence. The underlying economic causes of xenophobia are more complicated. High unemployment, inequality and pressure on public services can create frustration within communities. Migrants can become convenient targets for grievances that are actually linked to deeper economic and social problems. Addressing those problems requires employment opportunities, effective public services and stronger community relations. The issue also has wider implications for African integration. The African Continental Free Trade Area and other regional initiatives seek to increase economic cooperation and movement across borders. Such ambitions depend partly on people being able to move safely between African countries. Persistent xenophobia can undermine confidence in those objectives and discourage trade, investment and migration. Nigeria's evacuation of its citizens therefore carries significance beyond the immediate security situation. It demonstrates the consequences that xenophobic violence can have for families, businesses and diplomatic relations. It also places pressure on African governments to strengthen mechanisms for protecting citizens living and working outside their home countries. For Nigerians who returned home, the immediate priority was safety. For those who remained in South Africa, the government will continue to face pressure to ensure that foreign nationals are protected from violence. The episode is another reminder that African solidarity requires more than diplomatic statements. It requires effective institutions capable of protecting people regardless of nationality and addressing the social and economic pressures that can fuel hostility toward migrants.