President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Tuesday led top dignitaries to receive the remains of former President Muhammadu Buhari at the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua International Airport in Katsina State, ahead of his state funeral in Daura.
The Nigerian Air Force aircraft carrying Buhari’s body touched down at 1:51 p.m., just minutes after President Tinubu arrived from Abuja at 1:42 p.m. and inspected a guard of honour mounted by the Nigerian military.
The former Nigerian leader, Muhammadu Buhari, passed away on Sunday, July 13, 2025, at a hospital in London. His death has drawn widespread tributes and mourning across the country and beyond.
Dignitaries Present at Buhari’s Homecoming
Present at the solemn reception were Vice President Kashim Shettima, Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, former First Lady Aisha Buhari, and other family members. Also in attendance were President Umaro Sissoco Embaló of Guinea-Bissau, Prime Minister of Niger Ali Lamine Zeine, former President of Niger Issoufou Mahamadou, and former Nigerian Vice President Yemi Osinbajo.
The late president’s casket, draped in the national green-and-white flag, was carried by a distinguished nine-man pallbearer team composed of senior officers from the Army, Navy, and Air Force. They included:
- Major-General Mohammed Usman
- Major-General Oluwafemi Williams
- Major-General Shuaibu Nudu
- Rear Admiral Suleiman Dahun
- Rear Admiral Jonathan Ajodo
- Rear Admiral Samuel Ngatuwa
- Air Vice Marshal Adeniyi Herbert Amesinlola
- Air Vice Marshal Idi Sanni
- Air Vice Marshal Obinna Obiabaka
The military procession was coordinated by Major General Mike Alechenu.
State Funeral and Final Journey to Daura
As the hymn “God Be With You Till We Meet Again” played solemnly, the casket was wheeled in a slow march past a full military guard of honour comprising six officers and 96 soldiers from the Nigerian Armed Forces.
President Tinubu, along with other dignitaries, walked behind the casket in a dignified procession. The remains were then transferred into a military hearse for a one-hour journey to Daura, the hometown of the late president, for funeral prayers and interment.
The state funeral featured full military honours, including a 21-gun salute, in line with the burial protocols for a former Head of State.
Legacy of Former President Buhari
Buhari, a retired Major General and two-time Nigerian leader—first as military Head of State (1983–1985) and later as civilian President (2015–2023)—is remembered for his role in anti-corruption efforts, security reforms, and infrastructural development.
He will be laid to rest in Daura in accordance with Islamic rites and with full national honours.
