The Netherlands announced on Wednesday that it will return over 100 "Benin Bronzes" to Nigeria, artifacts that were taken by British troops during the late 19th century and subsequently ended up in a Dutch museum.

This decision was made following a request from the Nigerian government, as stated in an official announcement. 

According to Olugbile Holloway, Director General of the Nigerian National Commission for Museums and Monuments, this return of 113 pieces represents the largest repatriation of items from the 1897 raid.

The statement indicated that the return of the artifacts was authorized by Minister Eppo Bruins of the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture, and Science. The transfer agreement is set to be signed on Wednesday by Minister Bruins and Holloway.

Minister Bruins remarked, "With this return, we are contributing to the redress of a historical injustice that is still felt today."

This action by the Netherlands aligns with similar repatriations by other nations, including Germany, the United States, and the United Kingdom.

The Benin Bronzes, which include representations of royal figures and animals, were looted by British soldiers in 1897 from the Kingdom of Benin, located in present-day Nigeria.

In contrast, the British Museum in London has declined to return any of its renowned collection, citing a law enacted in 1963 that technically prohibits the restitution of these treasures.

The artifacts were sold and have been exhibited at the Wereldmuseum (World Museum) in Leiden.