19th century – 20th century
Northern Nigeria
The British conquest of Northern Nigeria was carried out by the Royal Niger Company and the British government through treaties, military expeditions and competition with France and Germany. The campaigns against Nupe and Ilorin began in 1897, followed by operations against Kontagora, Adamawa, Bauchi, Kano, Sokoto and Burwuri. Superior rifles, artillery and Maxim guns defeated the principal northern rulers and emirates.
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The Story
The conquest of Northern Nigeria differed from British expansion in the south because the Royal Niger Company played a central role alongside the British government. A series of treaties with northern rulers preceded military action, but these agreements were designed to secure the region for Britain against French and German encroachment. The principle of effective occupation established at the Berlin Conference increased the pressure to act.
The routes northward passed through Ilorin and Nupe, both of which sought to preserve their independence and sovereignty. Nupe was invaded in 1897 by a Royal Niger Company force supported by a flotilla and modern firearms. The Etsu of Nupe commanded an army estimated at 25,000–30,000 cavalry and infantry, but the Company’s artillery, rifles and Maxim guns prevailed, and the Etsu was deposed in favor of a more compliant ruler.
A similar invasion brought Ilorin into subjection in the same year. Further campaigns followed against Kontagora in 1900, Adamawa in 1901, Bauchi in 1902, and Kano, Sokoto and Burwuri in 1903. The northern rulers resisted, but traditional weapons and existing military tactics could not overcome the firepower of rifles, artillery and Maxim guns.
19th century – 20th century
Northern Nigeria
The British conquest of Northern Nigeria was carried out by the Royal Niger Company and the British government through treaties, military expeditions and competition with France and Germany. The campaigns against Nupe and Ilorin began in 1897, followed by operations against Kontagora, Adamawa, Bauchi, Kano, Sokoto and Burwuri. Superior rifles, artillery and Maxim guns defeated the principal northern rulers and emirates.
Continue exploring
The Story
The conquest of Northern Nigeria differed from British expansion in the south because the Royal Niger Company played a central role alongside the British government. A series of treaties with northern rulers preceded military action, but these agreements were designed to secure the region for Britain against French and German encroachment. The principle of effective occupation established at the Berlin Conference increased the pressure to act.
The routes northward passed through Ilorin and Nupe, both of which sought to preserve their independence and sovereignty. Nupe was invaded in 1897 by a Royal Niger Company force supported by a flotilla and modern firearms. The Etsu of Nupe commanded an army estimated at 25,000–30,000 cavalry and infantry, but the Company’s artillery, rifles and Maxim guns prevailed, and the Etsu was deposed in favor of a more compliant ruler.
A similar invasion brought Ilorin into subjection in the same year. Further campaigns followed against Kontagora in 1900, Adamawa in 1901, Bauchi in 1902, and Kano, Sokoto and Burwuri in 1903. The northern rulers resisted, but traditional weapons and existing military tactics could not overcome the firepower of rifles, artillery and Maxim guns.
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