These artifacts were looted by British colonial troops in 1897 during a punitive expedition to Benin Kingdom, in the territory of present-day Nigeria's Edo state.

The official transfer ceremony will take place on June 21st at the National Museum in Lagos. Representatives of both countries will be present at the event. This is the largest physical return of Benin artifacts to Nigeria so far.

"The symbolism of this event cannot be overestimated - it is a moment of pride and restoration of dignity not only for the people of Benin, but for all of Nigeria," said Olugbile Holloway, Director General of the National Commission for Museums and Monuments of Nigeria.

Most of the returned bronzes were in the state collection of the Netherlands and were previously exhibited at the World's Museum in Leiden. Four objects will remain there as temporary loans.

"We congratulate Nigeria on its persistent and consistent struggle to return Benin's bronze medals," said the Netherlands Ambassador for International Cultural Cooperation, Devi van de Verd.

Benin bronzes are a group of several thousand bronze and brass plates, masks, and sculptures created between the 15th and 19th centuries. These artworks adorned Benin's royal palace and reflect the high level of mastery and spiritual heritage of the Edo people.