President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on Tuesday, received the remains of former President Muhammadu Buhari at the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua International Airport in Katsina State, ahead of his final interment in Daura.
The President arrived from Abuja at exactly 1:42 p.m., where he was received with a ceremonial guard of honour. Shortly after, at 1:51 p.m., a Nigerian Air Force aircraft carrying the remains of the late former President touched down.
Former President Muhammadu Buhari passed away on Sunday, July 13, 2025, at a hospital in London.
Accompanying the body to Nigeria were Vice President Kashim Shettima, Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, the late President’s wife, Mrs. Aisha Buhari, and other family members.
At the airport, President Tinubu was joined by several dignitaries, including Vice President Kashim Shettima; 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, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, to receive the casket of the late statesman.
A joint military pallbearer team, consisting of nine senior officers, solemnly carried the flag-draped casket. The team was composed of:
• 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 procession was coordinated by Major General Mike Alechenu.
As the casket was wheeled forward in a dignified slow march to the tune of the solemn hymn “God Be With You Till We Meet Again,” it passed through a ceremonial guard of honour composed of six officers and 96 soldiers from the Nigerian Armed Forces.
In a mark of deep respect, President Tinubu, alongside other dignitaries, walked behind the casket trolley in a solemn procession. The casket was then placed in a military hearse for the one-hour journey to Daura, Katsina State, where funeral prayers and final burial rites are scheduled to take place.
The state funeral included full military honours, notably a 21-gun salute, in tribute to the late Nigerian leader.
