President Tinubu Receives Remains of Predecessor Buhari with Full Military Honors

Strategic Insights -

President Bola Tinubu received the remains of his predecessor, Muhammadu Buhari, at the Umaru Musa Yar'Adua International Airport in Katsina, with elaborate military honors. The funeral procession included a joint team of military pallbearers, a full military guard of honor, and a 21-gun salute. The ceremony marked the beginning of a somber and dignified farewell to the late president, who passed away on Sunday, July 13, 2025, in a London hospital.

Key Takeaways:

  • President Tinubu received the remains of former President Buhari at the Umaru Musa Yar'Adua International Airport in Katsina, accompanied by Vice-President Kashim Shettima, Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, and other family members.
  • The ceremony included a guard of honor, a joint team of military pallbearers, and a slow march of the casket in sync with the hymn "God Be With You Till We Meet Again".
  • The pallbearers were made up of nine senior officers, including Major-General Mohammed Usman, Major-General Oluwafemi Williams, and Rear Admiral Suleiman Dahun.
  • Major General Mike Alechenu coordinated the team of pallbearers.
  • The casket was escorted into a waiting military hearse for the one-hour journey to Daura, where funeral prayers and the burial ceremony would take place.
  • The state funeral featured full military honors, including a 21-gun salute.
  • President Tinubu, along with Vice-President Shettima, President Umaru Sissoco Embalo of Guinea-Bissau, Prime Minister of Niger Ali Lamine Zeine, former President of Niger Issoufou Mahamadou, and former Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, received the casket of the late president at the foot of the aircraft.

Statistics:

  • 9 senior officers comprised the joint team of military pallbearers.
  • 96 soldiers were drawn from the Nigerian Armed Forces to form the military guard of honor.
  • The funeral procession included a guard of honor, a joint team of military pallbearers, and a 21-gun salute.
  • The casket was escorted into a waiting military hearse for the one-hour journey to Daura.

Sources:

  • Presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, released details of the ceremony.
  • The Nigeria Air Force (NAF) plane conveying the remains of former President Buhari landed at the airport.
  • The Nigerian flag was draped over the casket.
  • The full military honors included a 21-gun salute.