Battle of Burmi

The Battle of Burmi was the final battle between the British and forces of the Sokoto Caliphate during the British Pacification of Northern Nigeria. The battle came after British victories at the battles of Kano and Kwatarkwashi, forcing Sokoto forces to retreat across northern Nigeria, entrenching themselves in Burmi. During the battle commander of British forces Major Marsh and the Sokoto Caliph, Muhammadu Attahiru I were both killed.

Battle of Burmi
British soldiers and Sokoto bodies
Date 27 July 1903 Location Burmi, Nigeria Result British Victory Sokoto Caliphate subdued Caliph Muhammadu Attahir I killed
Belligerents
British Empire Protectorate of Northern Nigeria	Sokoto Caliphate
Commanders and leaders
Baron Frederick Lugard Brevet-Major Francis Charles Marsh †	Muhammad Attahiru I †
Strength
Unknown	Thousands
Casualties and losses
Unknown	700+ killed

See also: Battle of Kano and Battle of Kwatarkwashi

Battle

The battle began at 11am on 27 July 1903, with British artillery shelling the town of Burmi. Following the shelling of the town, the British launched a frontal assault on the town, lead personally by Major Charles Marsh, who was hit by a poison arrow during the advance. Marsh succumbed to his wounds about 20 minuties later, whilst the battle was still raging.

Once inside the settlement, British and tribal forces engaged in vicious hand-to-hand combat, eventually achieving victory over the remaining defenders and eliminating Muhammadu Attahiru I.

Aftermath

Attahiru's son, Muhammad Bello bin Attahiru or Mai Wurno continued to lead the remaining members of the movement and eventually settled in Sudan, where many of the descendants still live today.

Following the defeat of the Sokoto Caliphate at Burmi, the British installed Muhammadu Attahiru II as Sultan of Sokoto. Further instances of rebellion against British rule persisted until 1906, after another armed rebellion was subdued in the village of Satiru, near Sokoto itself.