The Netherlands said it would return more than 100 Benin bronze medals, and British troops plundered from Nigeria in the late 19th century, eventually in the Dutch museum.

In 1897, the violent destruction of Benin City in Edo Prefecture, modern Nigeria, thousands of culturally significant sculptures and carvings were stolen.

The treasures were sold to private collectors, while others were sold to Wereldmuseums in the Netherlands, such as the Wereldmuseum in the Netherlands, which has been displaying these artifacts for decades.

Olugbile Holloway, Director General of the National Council of Museums and Monuments (NCMM), said the return of 119 artifacts is "the biggest repatriation of Benin antiquities."

Despite its name, not all statues are made of bronze. They include figurines, ivory, sculptures of the Benin rulers and ivory masks. They were made between the 15th and 19th centuries.

The transfer of the agreement will be signed on Wednesday. Mr Holloway added that he hopes this will set a good example for other countries.

Germany is the first to return more than 20 Benin bronzes in 2022 to deal with it "Dark Colonial History".

"With this reward, we are contributing to the historical injustice that still feels today," AFP News reported.

These sculptures, cherished for their beauty and technical art, have spiritual and historical significance to the people of this region of Nigeria.

Their theft was still a painful point for descendants of the ancient Benin Kingdom.

The move could increase pressure on other institutions to return to the Bronze in Benin, especially the British Museum, which houses more than 900 artifacts.

Protests and demonstrations took place outside the British Museum, part of their return campaign.

However, the actions of the parliament prevented the British Museum from sending them back.

For many in Nigeria, the Benin bronzes are a powerful reminder of colonial violence.

NCMM has issued formal repatriation requests to museums around the world.

Nigeria said it plans to open the Edo Art Museum in Benin City in 2026, designed by British-Ghana architect Sir David Adjaye to accommodate the largest collection of Benin bronzes ever.