IN an unusual yet respectful turn of events, the body of Nigeria’s former President Muhammadu Buhari was transported from the United Kingdom to Nigeria inside the main cabin of a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) jet rather than the cargo hold typically used for caskets.
According to informed sources, the decision became necessary after it was discovered that the presidential casket could not fit into the aircraft’s cargo compartment.
With British airport authorities insisting on strict safety protocols and ruling out alterations to the aircraft or use of a larger plane, handlers faced a critical choice.
Rather than resort to placing the former president’s body in a body bag, an option considered disrespectful, the military and aviation team devised a solemn alternative.
The front seats in the main cabin of the aircraft were collapsed, and foldable tables were pulled out to create a makeshift bed-like platform.
The casket, draped with the Nigerian national flag, was then secured to the structure, allowing the remains of the former president to be flown with dignity.
“You would have noticed that the casket wasn’t in the aircraft’s hold, which is standard for such situations,” a source close to the operation told News Point Nigeria.
“But because the hold was too small for the casket, and British safety authorities would not allow improvisation, the front section of the cabin was converted to respectfully accommodate the body.”
Upon arrival at the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua International Airport in Katsina at exactly 1:55 pm, the casket was received by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, and former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo.
A solemn military ceremony followed. A joint team of nine senior military officers carefully selected from across the Army, Navy, and Air Force served as pallbearers. The elite team, coordinated by Maj Gen Mike Alechenu, included:
Maj Gen Mohammed Usman, Maj Gen Oluwafemi Williams, Maj Gen Shuaibu Nuhu, Rear Adm Suleiman Dahun, Rear Adm Jonathan Ajodo, Rear Adm Samuel Ngatuwa, Air Vice Marshal Adeniyi Amesinlola, Air Vice Marshal Idi Sanni, Air Vice Marshal Obinna Obiabaka
The pallbearers, marching in slow synchronized steps to the hymn “God Be With You Till We Meet Again,” wheeled the flag-draped casket through a full military guard of honour composed of 102 armed forces personnel.
After a formal handover to a waiting military hearse, the casket was transported in a dignified one-hour convoy to Daura, Buhari’s hometown, where thousands had gathered for the final rites.
In a scene that captured both reverence and nostalgia, crowds spilled into the streets, and youths climbed trees and rooftops to catch a glimpse of the late statesman.
The burial ceremony featured full military honours, including a 21-gun salute, funeral prayers, and interment at Buhari’s private residence.
Dignitaries in attendance included President Umaro Sissoco Embaló of Guinea-Bissau; Niger Republic’s Prime Minister, Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine; former Nigerien President Issoufou Mahamadou; and other top officials.
Earlier, President Tinubu inspected a guard of honour before receiving the casket at the airport tarmac marking the beginning of the final farewell for a man who served as Nigeria’s head of state twice, both as a military ruler and elected president.