Tinubu, President Embaló of Guinea-Bissau, other dignitaries bid Buhari farewell as former president is buried in Daura

The remains of former President Muhammadu Buhari were laid to rest in his hometown, Daura, Katsina State, on Tuesday in a solemn ceremony that drew dignitaries from across the nation and beyond.

The burial, conducted according to Islamic rites, marked the culmination of a period of profound national mourning for a leader who served Nigeria both as a military Head of State and a democratically elected president.

The body was interred after the funeral prayer led by the Cheif Imam of the Central Mosque in Daura, Sheikh Salisu Rabiu, at 5:50pm. The burial was held within the premises of his family compound.

Army Generals and Service Chiefs bore the remains of Buhari on a stretcher to his graveside for interment and followed with a 21-gun salute, symbolising a collective final honour from the nation’s military leadership.

Before the late Buhari’s internment, his casket was draped in Nigeria’s green and white colours

The solemn Islamic rites were conducted in line with Muslim traditions and were led by the Chief Imam of Daura.

The remains of Buhari had arrived at the Katsina airport at about 2:07 p.m., shortly after President Tinubu touched down at the same place.

The body was accompanied by Vice President Kashim Shettima, Chief of Staff to President Tinubu, Femi Gbajabiamila, Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum, and other people, including members of Buhari’s family.

A joint team of military pallbearers comprising nine senior officers laid the casket, draped with the Nigerian flag, on a trolley.

The team comprise 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. Major General Mike Alechenu coordinated the team.

President Tinubu and others walked behind the casket trolley in a solemn procession. The pallbearers escorted the casket into a waiting military hearse for the one-hour journey to Daura, where funeral prayers and the burial ceremony would take place.

Buhari died in a London clinic on Sunday, 13 July, at the age of 82.

Among the prominent figures present to pay their last respects were President Bola Tinubu, who personally received the remains in Katsina, alongside several state governors, cabinet members, and former heads of state.

The Federal Government had earlier declared Tuesday, July 15, 2025, a public holiday to honour the late President, allowing Nigerians, particularly those in the North-West region, to participate in or observe the state burial proceedings.

The ceremony also had in attendance dignitaries including foreign emissaries, political elites and traditional rulers.

President Umaru Sissoco Embaló of Guinea-Bissau; Former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Prime Minister of Niger, Ali Lamine Zeine, former President of Niger, Issoufou Mahamadou, Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai; Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu; First Lady Remi Tinubu; Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin; Emir of Daura, Umar Faruk and that of Katsina, Abdilmuminu Kabir were present.

Others included a former Senate President Ahmad Lawan, former Minister of Communication and Digital Economy, Ali Pantami; former Governor of Rivers State and former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, former Governor of Ogun State, Ibikunle Amosun; and Ali Modu Sheriff, former Governor of Borno State and former PDP National Chairman.

Others are Yahaya Bello, former Governor of Kogi State, Aliyu Wammako, former Governor of Sokoto State, Aminu Tambuwal, former Governor of Sokoto State, Aminu Masari, former Governor of Katsina State, Kayode Fayemi, former Governor of Ekiti State and Pauline Tallen, former Deputy Governor of Plateau State and former Minister of Women Affairs.