The body of Nigeria’s former President, Muhammadu Buhari, has arrived at the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua International Airport in Katsina and was placed in a state ambulance under heavy security detail, marking the beginning of his final journey home to Daura for burial.
The late president’s remains, which were flown in from the United Kingdom, landed at approximately 2:00 p.m. local time on Monday, July 15, 2025, and were received with full national honours. Buhari passed away on Sunday, July 13, in a London medical facility following a brief illness at the age of 82.
A high-powered delegation led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was on ground at the airport to receive the casket, draped in the Nigerian national colours. Tinubu was accompanied by Vice President Kashim Shettima, Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, and Katsina State Governor Dikko Umar Radda. Also present were members of the Federal Executive Council, military service chiefs, senior civil servants, traditional rulers, and religious leaders who had gathered to pay their last respects to one of Nigeria’s most consequential leaders.
The sombre atmosphere at the tarmac reflected the magnitude of national loss, with uniformed personnel saluting as the body was transferred into the awaiting ambulance. The presidential convoy has since departed for Daura, Buhari’s hometown in Katsina State, where he will be buried later today in accordance with Islamic rites.
According to protocol officials, the late president’s burial will be held privately at his residence in Daura, attended by close family members, Islamic clerics, and selected national dignitaries. The ceremony will follow Islamic traditions and is expected to include prayers led by scholars from the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs.
Buhari, who previously ruled Nigeria as a military Head of State between 1983 and 1985, returned to power as a civilian president in 2015 and served two full terms until 2023. His political journey, which spanned over four decades, left a significant imprint on Nigeria’s military, political, and governance systems.
His passing has triggered a nationwide period of mourning. The Nigerian flag is being flown at half-mast across all government institutions, and a seven-day national mourning period has been declared by the Presidency. Public functions, state events, and federal meetings have been suspended out of respect for the deceased former leader.
In a statement released on Sunday night, President Bola Tinubu expressed profound grief over Buhari’s death, describing him as “a patriot, disciplinarian, and elder statesman whose love for Nigeria never wavered.”
“President Muhammadu Buhari dedicated his life to the unity, security, and progress of Nigeria. His contributions to our national development—both in uniform and in democratic governance—will remain etched in the pages of our history,” Tinubu stated.
Vice President Shettima, who had flown to London to accompany the remains back to Nigeria, also praised Buhari’s courage and integrity. Speaking at the airport in Katsina, he said: “We have lost a giant of African leadership. President Buhari embodied resilience, simplicity, and duty to country. Nigeria mourns, but we also celebrate a life lived for others.”
As news of his death continues to reverberate across the nation, crowds have begun gathering in Daura, where Buhari was deeply revered. Thousands have lined the roads, waving flags and holding placards that read “Rest in Peace Baba Buhari” and “Daura Mourns a Son of the Soil.”
Security in Daura and surrounding areas has been significantly reinforced. A multi-agency security operation is in place to manage the large number of mourners, both local and international, expected in the town. Nigeria’s Armed Forces have also deployed a ceremonial guard to accompany the funeral arrangements.
Among those expected to pay condolence visits in the coming days are African presidents, former Nigerian leaders, heads of diplomatic missions, and regional organisations such as ECOWAS and the African Union.
Muhammadu Buhari’s tenure was defined by his anti-corruption campaign, infrastructure drive, and security-focused governance. Supporters hailed him as a no-nonsense leader who brought discipline into public administration, while critics pointed to economic challenges and widespread insecurity that plagued parts of his presidency. Nonetheless, Buhari’s influence on Nigeria’s democratic evolution remains a subject of national discussion.
In his post-presidency years, Buhari retreated quietly to Daura, largely staying away from public commentary except for occasional statements on national issues. He continued to receive dignitaries and visitors who sought his counsel or came to pay homage to the former leader.
Former President Goodluck Jonathan, whom Buhari succeeded in 2015, issued a statement describing his predecessor as “a man of unwavering convictions who remained steadfast in his beliefs even in the face of criticism.”
Across Nigeria, spontaneous prayer gatherings and tributes have been held in mosques, churches, and public squares. Several state governors have also opened condolence registers at government houses to allow citizens to express their sorrow and share memories of the former president.
In London, tributes also flowed in from international allies, including the British High Commission in Nigeria, the U.S. State Department, and former African leaders. UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak issued a brief condolence message, noting that Buhari was “a dedicated statesman who worked for peace and stability in the West African region.”
As the body of Muhammadu Buhari returns to the quiet town of Daura—where his political rise began—many Nigerians reflect on the arc of his life: from a young military officer to national ruler, to opposition figure, and eventually, to twice-elected president.
For the residents of Daura and indeed the entire nation, today is not only about burial rites—it is about closure, reverence, and a final salute to a leader who shaped the course of Nigerian history.
Reporting by Africa Live News
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