Vice President Kashim Shettima and Presidential Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila have arrived in London to receive the body of former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari.

Their arrival marks the start of the official repatriation process, following President Bola Tinubu’s directive to bring the late leader’s remains back to Nigeria. The Vice President is leading a high-level government delegation, which also includes Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar and Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum.

President Tinubu had earlier expressed deep sorrow over Buhari’s passing and ordered all national flags to fly at half-mast in honour of the former president, who died in London at the age of 81.

The late president is expected to be laid to rest in his hometown of Daura, Katsina State, in accordance with Islamic rites and national protocols.