President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Tuesday led the Nigerian nation in receiving the remains of former President Muhammadu Buhari at the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua International Airport, Katsina, ahead of his final burial rites in his hometown of Daura.
The solemn event unfolded shortly after President Tinubu arrived from Abuja at exactly 1:42 p.m., where he proceeded to inspect a ceremonial guard of honour. The Nigerian Air Force aircraft carrying the body of the late former leader touched down at precisely 1:51 p.m.
President Buhari, who served as Nigeria’s Head of State from 2015 to 2023, passed away on Sunday, 13 July 2025, in a London hospital, sparking a nationwide outpouring of grief and tributes.
Accompanying the remains were Vice President Kashim Shettima, Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, former First Lady, Mrs Aisha Buhari, and other close family members.
Joining President Tinubu in receiving the late statesman were President Umaro Sissoco Embaló of Guinea-Bissau, Nigerien Prime Minister Ali Lamine Zeine, former Nigerien President Issoufou Mahamadou, and former Nigerian Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo.
A military casket team comprising nine senior officers drawn from the Army, Navy, and Air Force bore the Nigerian-flag-draped casket in a slow, dignified march, accompanied by the hymn *“God Be With You Till We Meet Again.”* The pallbearers included Major-General Mohammed Usman, Rear Admiral Suleiman Dahun, and Air Vice Marshal Idi Sanni, under the coordination of Major General Mike Alechenu.
The procession passed through a full military guard of honour consisting of six officers and 96 soldiers from across the Nigerian Armed Forces, symbolising the nation’s respect for the late former Commander-in-Chief.
The remains were then transferred into a military hearse for the final leg of the journey to Daura, Buhari’s hometown, where funeral prayers and interment will take place in accordance with Islamic rites. The state burial will be marked with full military honours, including a 21-gun salute.
The passing of Muhammadu Buhari marks the end of an era in Nigerian politics and governance. A leader who once described himself as “for everybody and for nobody,” Buhari’s legacy continues to be the subject of national discourse as Nigerians mourn his departure.
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