‘Why Buhari’s remains was flown into Nigeria in aircraft cabin’

In a rare but respectful gesture, the body of 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 designated for caskets.

According to reliable sources, the decision was made after officials discovered that the presidential casket could not fit into the aircraft’s cargo compartment. The incident presented an unexpected logistical challenge during preparations for the late president’s final journey home.

Efforts to modify the aircraft or switch to a larger jet were ruled out by British airport authorities, who insisted on maintaining strict international aviation safety protocols. With time running out and no room for compromise, handlers made a critical decision — to place the casket respectfully in the jet’s main cabin.

READ ALSO: Ex-President Buhari laid to rest in Daura

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 our correspondent.

“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.

(Punch)