Two-star generals to serve as Buhari’s pall bearers

The Nigerian military has designated nine senior officers from the Army, Navy, and Air Force to serve as pallbearers at the funeral of former President Muhammadu Buhari. The two-star Generals, all currently serving in Abuja, have reportedly arrived in Katsina ahead of the arrival of Buhari’s remains from London.

According to military sources, the selected pallbearers comprise three Major Generals, three Rear Admirals, and three Air Vice Marshals. Their inclusion underscores the former president’s close association with the armed forces, having ruled Nigeria both as a military head of state and later as a civilian president.

Among the named pallbearers are Major General M.T. Usman, who commanded the Guards Brigade during Buhari’s presidency, and Major General S. Nuhu. The Navy is represented by Rear Admiral Suleiman Dahun, a former naval spokesman; Rear Admiral S.I. Ngatuwa; and Rear Admiral J.O. Ajodo. The Air Force contingent includes former Commandant of the Nigerian Armed Forces Resettlement Centre (NAFRC), Air Vice Marshal A. Amesinlola; AVM I. Sani; and AVM O.C. Obiabaka.

Sources told The Nation that a brief ceremony is scheduled at Katsina Airport at approximately 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, after which Buhari’s body is expected to be flown by helicopter to his hometown of Daura for interment.

There is ongoing discussion about whether the body will first be taken to the Emir’s Palace in Katsina. However, logistical considerations are still being finalized, particularly as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is expected to receive the body in Daura alongside members of the late president’s family.

Buhari, who died on Sunday, July 13, in a London hospital after a prolonged illness, is set to be buried in accordance with Islamic rites later today, July 15.