Muhammadu Buhari: Nigeria's ex-leader buried in his hometown

Muhammadu Buhari was laid to rest in his hometown, Daura, in northern Nigeria. He leaves behind a mixed legacy, having been both a former military leader and a democratically elected president.

Former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari was buried in his hometown of Daura in the north of the country on Tuesday.

Thousands of people turned out to pay their respects, with the current president of the country, Bola Tinubu, having also attended the service.

Buhari died on Sunday, aged 82, in London, after battling an undisclosed illness. He had often traveled to the city to seek medical help, even during his presidency.

Buhari led Nigeria twice, once as a military dictator between 1983 and 1985, then as a democratically elected president between 2015 to 2023.

But he retreated from the public eye after handing over power to his successor, Tinubu, in 2023, as he battled the illness that was never disclosed.

Buhari's legacy includes a widespread clampdown on human rights, isolationist economic policies and escalating insecurity.

What else do we know about Buhari's memorial service?

Buhari's coffin, draped in Nigeria's white and green national colors, had arrived at the airport in Katsina state earlier on Tuesday.

The coffin was received by President Bola Tinubu, government officials and men and women in traditional Muslim attire.

A military parade was held at the airport, as 21 gun salutes were fired in his honor before his body was taken to his hometown, about 49 miles (80 kilometers) away.

Tinubu has declared seven days of national mourning to honor Buhari's life, with Tuesday having been a public holiday too. 

Edited by: John Silk