Which kingdoms and empires existed in Nigeria before British colonial rule?

Before the onset of British colonial rule in the late 19th century, Nigeria was home to a diverse array of sophisticated indigenous polities, kingdoms, and empires.12

Northern Nigeria

The north featured several large, highly developed systems:
* Hausa States: Including Kano, Katsina, Zaria, and Gobir.12
* Kanem-Borno: A powerful trading empire that controlled the Lake Chad region for centuries.3
* Jukun States: Such as Kwararafa, Kona, Pinduga, and Wukari.12
* Other Polities: Smaller kingdoms included those of the Igala, Nupe, and Ebira.12
* Sokoto Caliphate: Established in the early 19th century following the jihad led by Usman dan Fodio, this politico-religious system unified many northern territories.4

Southern Nigeria

The south was characterized by prominent states and city-states:
* Yoruba States: Notably the influential Oyo Empire and the kingdom of Ife.15
* Benin: A powerful Edo state.12
* Coastal Polities: Including the Itsekiri state of Warri, the Efik state of Calabar, and the Ijo city-states of Bonny, Nembe, Elem Kalabari, and Okrika.12