Former President Muhammadu Buhari was laid to rest on Tuesday evening within the premises of his private residence in Daura, Katsina State, marking the end of an era in Nigeria’s political history.
The interment took place at about 5:30 p.m. under the shade of trees where the late president was known to relax and engage with close friends and associates. The burial was followed by a ceremonial 21-gun salute, with security operatives firing three rounds at 5:33 p.m., and another set two minutes later, continuing until the full honours were rendered. A brief parade was also held by uniformed officers dressed in green and red regalia.
Buhari’s body arrived at the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua International Airport, Katsina, around 2:00 p.m., aboard Nigerian Air Force Flight 5N-FGT 001 from the United Kingdom. He was accompanied by a high-level delegation led by Vice President Kashim Shettima, including Chief of Staff to the President, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila; Deputy Chief of Staff to the Vice President, Sen. Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia; Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum; Foreign Affairs Minister, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar; and members of Buhari’s family such as his nephew, Mallam Mamman Daura.
President Bola Tinubu was at the airport to receive the body, alongside Katsina State Governor Dikko Radda, his deputy Faruk Lawal, and other dignitaries. Also present were President Umaro Sissoco Embaló of Guinea-Bissau, Niger Republic Prime Minister Ali Lamine Zeine, former Nigerian Vice President Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, and former Nigerien President Mahamadou Issoufou.
The solemn occasion drew several state governors including AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq (Kwara), Mai Mala Buni (Yobe), Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya (Gombe), Umar Namadi (Jigawa), Nasir Idris (Kebbi), Dauda Lawal (Zamfara), Ahmed Aliyu (Sokoto), Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Monday Okpebholo (Edo), Hope Uzodimma (Imo), and Bassey Otu (Cross River).
Top business moguls like Aliko Dangote, Sayyu Dantata, and Dahiru Mangal were also in attendance, as well as National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, Nigeria’s service chiefs, Speaker of the Katsina State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Nasir Yahaya Daura, members of the State Executive Council, senior civil servants, and APC stalwarts.
In a symbolic gesture, First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu received the late President’s wife, Hajiya Aisha Buhari, upon arrival in the state. The presence of numerous political and traditional leaders underscored the deep impact Buhari had on Nigeria’s political landscape.
After the motorcade arrived in Daura—a roughly one-hour drive from the airport—the late president’s body was briefly laid in state to allow family, friends, and close associates to pay their final respects.
Funeral prayers were led by prominent Islamic cleric, Ustaz Hassan Yusuf, at the heli-pad site within the compound, concluding at exactly 4:56 p.m. Earlier in the day, hundreds of residents gathered across Daura to offer funeral prayers, many visibly emotional as they prayed for the peaceful repose of the former leader’s soul.
Thousands thronged the late president’s home and lined nearby roads, speaking in hushed tones about his life, legacy, and contributions to the nation.
Security was heavily reinforced throughout Daura town, particularly around the former president’s residence, the airport, and major roads in the state capital.
Buhari’s burial marks a poignant farewell to a figure who played a pivotal role in shaping Nigeria’s modern political journey—both as a military ruler and two-term civilian president.
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