The British pacification campaign termed the Kano-Sokoto Expedition set off from Zaria at the end of January 1903 under the command of Colonel Thomas Morland, heading up a force of British officers and N.C.O.s and 800 African rank and file.

[2] After sporadic fighting outside the walls of the fort, the British managed to penetrate the defensive parameters of the capital.

The emir, Aliyu Babba, was away with its large contingent of cavalry for the autumn campaign at Sokoto.

Despite his efforts, the British successfully took over the city after heavy fight wherein the defenders sustained 70 casualties.

News of the British capture of Kano in February 1903 sent the Emir's cavalry in a long march to retake the city in the decisive Battle of Kwatarkwashi.