Original:  Though Philips had acted without consulting the Royal Niger Company authorities, after his death the British government dispatched an punitive force against the Benin monarchy, which the force defeated and deposed, leading to the kingdom's eventual absorption into colonial Nigeria.
Revised:  Though Philips had acted without consulting the Royal Niger Company authorities, after his death the British government dispatched an punitive expedition against the Benin monarchy, which the force defeated and deposed, leading to the kingdom's eventual absorption into colonial Nigeria.
Edit intent: clarity