Benin Expedition of 1897

The Benin Expedition of 1897 was a punitive expedition by a British force of 1,200 men under Sir Harry Rawson. It came in response to the ambush and slaughter of a 250 strong party led by British Acting Consul General James Phillips of the Niger Coast Protectorate. Rawson's troops captured Benin City, bringing to an end slavery and human sacrifice in Benin, and indeed the Kingdom of Benin itself, which was eventually absorbed into colonial Nigeria. The expedition freed slaves held by the Oba.

Benin Expedition of 1897
Part of the Scramble for Africa
Date9–18 February 1897
Location
Benin City, Benin Empire
Result British victory
Belligerents

British Empire

  • Niger Coast Protectorate
 Benin Empire
Commanders and leaders
Harry Rawson Ovonramwen
Asoro N' lyokuo
Strength
1,200 Unknown
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