President Tinubu Receives Remains of Former President Buhari with Full Military Honours

Strategic Insights -

President Bola Tinubu received the remains of former President Muhammadu Buhari at the Umaru Musa Yar'Adua International Airport in Katsina, Nigeria, on Tuesday, following his arrival from a London hospital where he passed away on Sunday, July 13, 2025. President Tinibu was accompanied by Vice President Kashim Shettima, former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, and other high-ranking officials as they paid their respects to the late president. The state funeral featured full military honours, including a 21-gun salute and a joint team of military pallbearers that included nine senior officers.

Key Takeaways:

  • The remains of President Buhari were received by President Tinubu and other high-ranking officials at the Umaru Musa Yar'Adua International Airport in Katsina, Nigeria.
  • The state funeral featured full military honours, including a 21-gun salute, a joint team of military pallbearers, and a slow march of the casket through a military guard of honour.
  • The joint team of military pallbearers comprised nine senior officers, including Major-General Mohammed Usman, Major-General Oluwafemi Williams, and Major-General Shuaibu Nudu.
  • The funeral procession was accompanied by the hymn 'God Be With You Till We Meet Again', and President Tinubu and other officials walked behind the casket trolley in a solemn procession.
  • The remains of President Buhari were escorted into a waiting military hearse for the one-hour journey to Daura, where funeral prayers and the burial ceremony would take place.
  • Vice President Kashim Shettima, former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, and other family members of President Buhari accompanied the remains to Nigeria.

Statistics:

  • 504 personnel (96 soldiers drawn from the Nigerian Armed Forces and 6 officers) formed the military guard of honour.
  • 21-gun salute was conducted during the state funeral.
  • 9 senior officers were part of the joint team of military pallbearers.
  • The journey from the airport to Daura took one hour in a military hearse.
  • The casket was escorted by a joint team of military pallbearers and a military guard of honour.

Sources:

  • "Tinubu Receives Late Ex-President Buhari's Remains From London" by Bayo Onanuga (media aide to President Tinubu)
  • The statement by Bayo Onanuga mentioned above.