Three Swiss museums have officially transferred ownership of 28 Benin artefacts to Nigeria, with 18 of them set to be physically returned this year. The remaining 10 will stay in Switzerland on long-term loan at Nigeria’s request or until their transfer is completed.
The artefacts, widely known as the Benin Bronzes, were looted by British forces during the 1897 invasion of the Kingdom of Benin and later found their way into museum collections across Europe. Their return is part of a wider international effort to address the legacy of colonial-era looting.
According to Swiss museum officials, detailed provenance research confirmed that many of the objects were unlawfully taken from Benin, prompting the decision to return them. The handover was carried out in collaboration with Nigeria’s museum authorities, who welcomed the restitution as an important step toward preserving the country’s cultural heritage and acknowledging historical injustices.
The returned artefacts include historical bronze, ivory, and other cultural objects that hold deep artistic, spiritual, and historical significance for the people of Benin and Nigeria. Several of the items will be housed under the care of Nigeria’s museum authorities after their arrival.
This latest restitution follows similar returns from countries including Germany and the Netherlands, reflecting growing international support for returning African cultural treasures taken during the colonial era.
Pidgin Summary
Three museums for Switzerland don return 18 Benin artefacts come back Nigeria, while dem don officially hand over ownership of 28 artefacts. Na artefacts wey British soldiers carry comot from Benin Kingdom during the 1897 invasion. Nigeria welcome the move, say e go help preserve the country’s history and correct one part of the injustice wey happen during colonial time. More European countries too dey return Benin Bronzes to Nigeria.
