The remains of Nigeria’s former President Muhammadu Buhari have arrived in the country from the United Kingdom ahead of his final burial rites in his hometown, Daura, Katsina State, later today.
The Nigerian Air Force aircraft conveying the late president touched down Tuesday morning at the Umaru Musa Yar’adua Airport in Katsina, where President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Dikko Umar Radda, senior government officials, and members of Buhari’s family received the body.
Buhari, aged 82, passed away on Sunday, July 13, 2025, in a London hospital following a brief illness. His death marked the end of an era for a man who served Nigeria both as a military leader and two-term civilian president.
Earlier, Vice President Kashim Shettima led the federal delegation to London to oversee arrangements for the return of Buhari’s remains and represent the Nigerian government during the repatriation process. He was joined by Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar, Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum, and others.
The final burial, which is expected to take place in Daura by 2:00 p.m., will follow Islamic rites, including the Jana’iza (funeral prayer) and interment at the late president’s residence. A military ceremony was held earlier at the airport in Buhari’s honor.
Meanwhile, a national public holiday has been declared to allow Nigerians to mourn and pay respects to the late former president. Flags are flying at half-staff nationwide, and condolence registers have been opened across government ministries, Nigerian embassies, and missions worldwide.
What you should know
Former President Muhammadu Buhari’s remains arrived in Katsina Tuesday morning, accompanied by a high-powered federal delegation. President Tinubu received the body ahead of the burial in Daura, Buhari’s hometown, where final rites will take place later today.
