President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Tuesday received the remains of former President Muhammadu Buhari at the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua International Airport in Katsina, ahead of his final burial rites in his hometown, Daura.
The President, who arrived from Abuja at exactly 1:42 p.m., inspected a ceremonial guard of honour before the Nigerian Air Force aircraft conveying the body of the late leader touched down at 1:51 p.m.
The late President Buhari died on Sunday, July 13, 2025, in a London hospital, marking the end of a remarkable chapter in Nigeria’s political history.
Accompanying the remains to Nigeria were Vice President Kashim Shettima, Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, former First Lady Aisha Buhari, and other close family members.
President Tinubu was joined at the airport by several dignitaries, including Vice President Shettima, President Umaro Sissoco Embaló of Guinea-Bissau, Prime Minister Ali Lamine Zeine of Niger Republic, former President of Niger, Issoufou Mahamadou, and Nigeria’s former Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, to pay their final respects.
A dignified military reception was held as a joint team of nine senior military officers, led by Major General Mike Alechenu, served as pallbearers. The casket, draped in the Nigerian flag, was wheeled in a slow, solemn march to the tune of the hymn “God Be With You Till We Meet Again.” A full military guard of honour, consisting of six officers and 96 soldiers, saluted the late commander-in-chief.
The body was then placed in a military hearse for the journey to Daura, where the funeral prayers and final interment were scheduled to take place.
The farewell ceremony included full state honours, culminating in a 21-gun salute in memory of the late statesman.
