Which part of Nigeria was declared an extension of Britain in 1861?

Analyze the question: It asks which part of Nigeria Britain took over formally in 1861. This is the start of British colonial rule in Nigeria.

Explain the concept: In the 19th century, Britain wanted to end the slave trade and promote "legitimate" trade in palm oil. Lagos was a key port, and its king, Oba Akitoye, had asked the British for help against his rival, Kosoko, who supported the slave trade.

Step-by-step solution:

1. 1851: The British bombarded Lagos and removed Kosoko. Akitoye was restored to the throne, and the Lagos Treaty of Friendship was signed.
2. 1853: Oba Dosunmu became king after Akitoye's death.
3. August 6, 1861: Dosunmu was pressured into signing the Treaty of Cession. This handed Lagos over to Britain, and Lagos became a British colony.

Checking the options:

• A. Calabar: Part of the Oil Rivers Protectorate (1885), later the Niger Coast Protectorate. Not 1861.
• B. Kaduna: Part of Northern Nigeria, which came under British control around 1900-1903.
• C. Lagos: Annexed in 1861. ✔
• D. Lokoja: Associated with the Niger expeditions and the Royal Niger Company, not the 1861 annexation.
• E. Oil Rivers: Declared a protectorate in 1885.

Exam tip: Remember the sequence 1851 → 1861 → 1885 → 1900 → 1914: Lagos bombardment → Lagos annexation → Oil Rivers Protectorate → Northern Nigeria Protectorate → Amalgamation. If you see "1861," think Lagos immediately.