The body of Nigeria’s former President, General Muhammadu Buhari, was laid to rest on Tuesday in his hometown of Daura, Katsina State, following his death in a London clinic on Sunday, July 13, 2025.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu led dignitaries in receiving the remains of the late leader at the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua International Airport in Katsina. President Tinubu arrived from Abuja at 1:42 p.m. and inspected a ceremonial guard of honour before the Nigerian Air Force aircraft bearing Buhari’s body touched down at 1:51 p.m.

The casket, draped in the Nigerian flag, was carried out of the aircraft by a distinguished team of nine senior military officers under the coordination of Major General Mike Alechenu. The pallbearers included Major Generals Mohammed Usman, Oluwafemi Williams, and Shuaibu Nudu; Rear Admirals Suleiman Dahun, Jonathan Ajodo, and Samuel Ngatuwa; and Air Vice Marshals Adeniyi Herbert Amesinlola, Idi Sanni, and Obinna Obiabaka.

As the solemn hymn “God Be With You Till We Meet Again” played, the casket was wheeled through a full military guard of honour composed of six officers and 96 soldiers from the Nigerian Armed Forces. A hushed silence enveloped the airfield as President Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, and other dignitaries joined a slow and dignified procession behind the trolley.

Among those present were former President of Niger, Issoufou Mahamadou; Prime Minister of Niger, Ali Lamine Zeine; President Umaro Sissoco Embaló of Guinea-Bissau; former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo; Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; and former First Lady, Aisha Buhari, who accompanied her late husband’s remains from London.

The body was then transferred into a military hearse for the one-hour journey to Daura, where funeral prayers were held before his final interment. The state burial featured full military honours, including a 21-gun salute, in accordance with national tradition for former Heads of State.

General Muhammadu Buhari, Nigeria’s former military Head of State (1983–1985) and democratically elected President (2015–2023), is remembered for his commitment to national security, anti-corruption, and public service.

He is survived by his wife, Aisha Buhari, and children.

Nigeria mourns a man whose life spanned military and civilian leadership, leaving behind a legacy that will remain central to the nation’s modern history.