Body of Former President Muhammadu Buhari Arrives in Daura for Burial (PHOTOS)

The body of former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari has arrived in his hometown of Daura, Katsina State, ahead of his final interment according to Islamic rites.

Buhari, who passed away on Sunday, July 13, 2025, at a hospital in London, was flown back to Nigeria on Tuesday. His remains were received at the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua International Airport in Katsina by President Bola Tinubu, who arrived from Abuja at 1:42 p.m. The Nigerian Air Force aircraft carrying the body landed at 1:51 p.m.

A large crowd of mourners gathered at Buhari’s Daura residence to pay their final respects to the former leader, who served as Nigeria’s president from 2015 to 2023.

The body was accompanied by Buhari’s widow, Aisha Buhari, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, and other family members.

President Tinubu was joined at the airport by high-level dignitaries including 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.

A joint military team comprising nine senior officers served as pallbearers. The casket, draped in the Nigerian flag, was wheeled past a full military guard of honour to the solemn hymn “God Be With You Till We Meet Again.” The pallbearers included Major-General Mohammed Usman, Rear Admiral Suleiman Dahun, and Air Vice Marshal Adeniyi Herbert Amesinlola, with Major General Mike Alechenu coordinating the team.

The procession ended with the casket being placed in a military hearse for the one-hour journey to Daura, where a funeral prayer—led by the Chief Imam of Katsina State—will precede the burial.

Full state funeral honours, including a 21-gun salute, are scheduled as part of the ceremonies to honour the late president before his interment.