President Bola Tinubu stood solemnly at Umaru Musa Yar’adua International Airport in Katsina on Tuesday afternoon, leading a high-level delegation to receive the remains of former President Muhammadu Buhari.

The Nigerian Air Force aircraft carrying Buhari’s body touched down at 1:53 p.m. WAT, escorted by Vice President Kashim Shettima, who accompanied the late president’s remains from London, where Buhari passed away on Sunday, July 13, 2025, at the age of 82.

A poignant military ceremony unfolded on the tarmac, with personnel from the Nigerian Armed Forces conveying Buhari’s body from the aircraft for a brief reception and honor.

The delegation, including Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, 25 members of the Federal Executive Council, and Katsina State Governor Dikko Umaru Radda, paid their respects to the late statesman, whose tenure as military head of state (1983–1985) and democratically elected president (2015–2023) left an indelible mark on Nigeria.

The procession departed the airport for Daura, Buhari’s hometown, 80 kilometers away, where the Jana’iza (funeral prayer) and burial are scheduled to hold at his private residence, adhering to Islamic rites.

The Inter-Ministerial Committee, led by Senator George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, and the Katsina State Government have ensured meticulous arrangements, including heightened security by the Nigerian Army, Police, DSS, and NSCDC to facilitate a dignified ceremony.

Nigeria is in the midst of a seven-day national mourning period, with Tuesday declared a public holiday. National flags are at half-mast, and condolence registers are open at federal institutions and Nigerian embassies worldwide.

The Federal Executive Council postponed its Tuesday meeting to Friday, July 18, allowing members to attend the burial and the Third-Day Fidau Prayer on Wednesday, July 16. The National Assembly has suspended activities until July 22 in honor of Buhari.

Tributes have poured in, reflecting Buhari’s legacy of discipline, anti-corruption efforts, and patriotism. President Tinubu described him as “a patriot whose life of service defined Nigeria’s progress.” Former President Goodluck Jonathan hailed his “steadfast commitment to unity,” while international leaders, particularly from West Africa, are expected to attend the burial, underscoring Buhari’s regional influence.

In Daura, mourners have gathered at Buhari’s residence, where prayers and Qur’anic recitations continue.

The Northwest Governors Forum declared Tuesday a public holiday across its seven states, amplifying the region’s grief. Governor Radda called Buhari “a beacon of integrity whose legacy will endure.”

As Nigeria bids farewell to a towering figure, the burial in Daura symbolizes not only the end of an era but also a moment of national reflection on Buhari’s contributions to unity, governance, and public service.