Nation’s Farewell: Buhari’s Final Flight Home

In an uncommon departure from standard protocol, the body of former President Muhammadu Buhari was flown back to Nigeria in the main cabin of a Nigerian Air Force jet, rather than in the aircraft’s cargo hold.

This adjustment was made after it was discovered that the casket could not fit into the aircraft’s cargo compartment. Rather than placing the body in a bag suitable for the cargo space, those handling the arrangements chose to maintain the dignity of the casket by positioning it within the cabin.

To accommodate this, the front seats of the cabin were folded down and tables unfolded to create a platform where the flag-draped casket could be respectfully secured. A source familiar with the situation explained that while it is customary for remains to be transported in the hold, the aircraft’s configuration made that impossible. Airport authorities abroad also raised safety concerns that ruled out forcing the casket into the cargo space.

As an alternative, significant effort went into preparing the cabin. The casket, wrapped and covered with the Nigerian flag, was laid out on a makeshift bed created from the aircraft’s seating area.

Upon arrival in Nigeria, a joint military team of nine senior officers served as pallbearers, honouring the former president with full ceremonial respect. The team was led by Major General Mike Alechenu and included senior personnel from the army, navy, and air force. Moving in slow, solemn steps to the hymn “God Be With You Till We Meet Again,” they wheeled the casket through a guard of honour made up of six officers and 96 soldiers from across the Armed Forces.

President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, and other dignitaries joined the solemn procession behind the casket.

The casket was then placed into a waiting military hearse for a one-hour journey to Daura, where funeral prayers and interment were held. The state funeral included full military honours, highlighted by a 21-gun salute.

Before the flight’s arrival, President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima had gathered at the airport to receive the casket. They were joined by Guinea-Bissau’s President Umaro Sissoco Embaló, Niger Republic’s Prime Minister Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine, former Nigerien President Issoufou Mahamadou, and other dignitaries.

President Tinubu arrived at the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua International Airport in Katsina at 1:42 p.m., where he inspected a guard of honour. The Air Force jet carrying Buhari’s remains touched down at 1:51 p.m.

In Daura, a large crowd gathered to pay their final respects, with some climbing trees for a final glimpse of the late president as he was laid to rest at his private residence.