The fall of which kingdom marked a significant milestone in the British conquest of the Nigerian area?

The British conquered Benin Kingdom in 1897 after a military expedition. They destroyed the kingdom and looted priceless bronze artworks. This showed Britain’s determination to control southern Nigeria completely.

Oyo’s collapse in 1825 happened due to internal conflicts, not British conquest. Sokoto fell in 1903, which was also significant. Kanem-Bornu wasn’t destroyed in 1914 but absorbed into colonial Nigeria.

Benin’s fall marked the end of powerful southern kingdoms. It cleared the way for direct British rule across the region.