on Tuesday, in a solemn ceremony marked by full military honours and attended by high-profile dignitaries from within and outside Nigeria.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu led the federal delegation that paid final respects to his predecessor, who passed away on Sunday, 13 July 2025, in a London hospital.
President Tinubu arrived in Katsina from Abuja at exactly 1:42 p.m. and inspected a guard of honour at the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua International Airport, shortly before the Nigerian Air Force jet conveying Buhari’s remains touched down at 1:51 p.m.
The late president’s body was received by President Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, First Lady Aisha Buhari, Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, and other members of the Buhari family.
Also present to honour the departed statesman were President Umaru Sissoco Embaló of Guinea-Bissau, Prime Minister of Niger Republic Ali Lamine Zeine, former President of Niger Republic Issoufou Mahamadou, and Nigeria’s former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo.
The body, which was draped in the Nigerian flag, was wheeled out in a slow march by a joint team of military pallbearers, to the tune of the hymn “God Be With You Till We Meet Again.”
The pallbearers included nine senior officers: 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, and Air Vice Marshal Obinna Obiabaka.
The team was coordinated by Major General Mike Alechenu.
A full military guard of honour comprising six officers and 96 soldiers lined the path, as President Tinubu and other dignitaries followed the casket in a solemn procession to a waiting hearse.
The motorcade then departed for Daura—a journey of about one hour—for the final rites.
Upon arrival at the Buhari residence in Daura, a brief lying-in-state ceremony was held, followed by funeral prayers (Salatul Janazah), which were led by Sheikh Salisu Rabiu, the Imam of the Central Mosque, Daura.
At exactly 5:50 p.m., the late president was committed to the earth in the presence of his family, President Tinubu, and other dignitaries.
The state burial featured full military honours, including a reveille and a 21-gun salute, in keeping with tradition for former commanders-in-chief.
Large crowds of sympathisers filled the streets of Daura and gathered around the late President’s residence to catch a glimpse of the historic farewell.
The state funeral continues throughout the week.
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