President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday led a solemn military reception as the remains of former President Muhammadu Buhari arrived at the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua International Airport in Katsina ahead of his final rites in Daura.

The Nigerian Air Force aircraft bearing the late president’s casket touched down at exactly 1:51 p.m., shortly after President Tinubu arrived from Abuja at 1:42 p.m. and inspected a ceremonial guard of honour.

Buhari, who served as both military and civilian Head of State, died on Sunday, July 13, 2025, in a London hospital at the age of 82.

Vice President Kashim Shettima, Chief of Staff to the President Femi Gbajabiamila, the late president’s widow Aisha Buhari, and other family members accompanied the body on its journey home.

Joining President Tinubu at the tarmac to receive the casket were Vice President Shettima; President Umaro Sissoco Embaló of Guinea-Bissau; Prime Minister of Niger Republic, Ali Lamine Zeine; former Nigerien President Issoufou Mahamadou; and Nigeria’s former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo.

A joint military pallbearing team, comprising nine senior officers from the Army, Navy, and Air Force, conveyed the flag-draped casket onto a trolley in a stately, slow march.

Coordinated by Major General Mike Alechenu, the pallbearers included Major General Mohammed Usman, Major General Oluwafemi Williams, Major General Shuaibu Nuhu, 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 cortege moved in synchrony to the hymn “God Be With You Till We Meet Again,” as the casket passed through a full military guard of honour consisting of six officers and 96 personnel drawn from the Nigerian Armed Forces.

President Tinubu and other dignitaries followed on foot in a solemn procession as the remains were placed into a waiting military hearse for the final journey to Daura, Buhari’s hometown, where funeral prayers and interment were scheduled.

The state funeral included full military honours, highlighted by a 21-gun salute in tribute to the late Nigerian leader.