Military conquest Colonial Nigeria

king koko in war canoe, london daily graphic, 30 march 1895; depicting king frederick william koko—onetime antagonist royal niger company

in 1896–1897 forces of niger coast protectorate fought remnants of benin empire. following defeat of unsuccessful foray consul general james r. phillips, larger retaliatory force captured benin city , drove ovonramwen, oba of benin, exile.

the british had difficulty conquering igboland, lacked central political organisation. in name of liberating igbos aro confederacy, british launched anglo-aro war of 1901–1902. despite conquering villages burning houses , crops, continual political control on igbo remained elusive. british forces began annual pacification missions convince locals of british supremacy.

a campaign against sokoto caliphate began in 1900 creation of protectorate of northern nigeria, under direction of governor lugard. british captured kano in 1903. deadly battles broke out sporadically through 1906. lugard slow describe these excursions colonial office, apparently learned of preparations attack kano newspapers in december 1902. not wishing appear out of control or weak, approved expedition (two days after began) on 19 january 1903. in general colonial office allowed lugard s expeditions continue because framed retaliatory and, olivier commented in 1906, if millions of people [in nigeria] not want there once notion our people can killed impunity not slow attempt it.

lugard informed leaders of conquered sokoto:

the fulani in old times . . . conquered country. took right rule on it, levy taxes, depose kings , create kings. in turn have defeat lost rule has come hands of british. these things have said fulani conquest took right pass british. every sultan , emir , principal officers of state appointed high commissioner throughout country. high commissioner guided usual laws of succession , wishes of people , chief, set them aside if desires cause so. emirs , chiefs appointed rule on people of old time , take such taxes approved high commissioner, obey laws of governor , act in accordance advice of resident.