Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima, has arrived in London to oversee the return of former President Muhammadu Buhari’s remains back to Nigeria for burial.

Shettima, who flew out of Nigeria just after midnight on Sunday, touched down in the UK early Monday morning. According to his media aide, Stanley Nkwocha, the Vice President was received at the hospital by Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuff Tuggar.

Also present to welcome him were Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, and the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila.

Buhari passed away on Sunday in the UK after battling a long-term, undisclosed illness. The 82-year-old had spent years dealing with health challenges, even while serving as Nigeria’s president for two consecutive terms.

His body is expected to be flown back to Nigeria later today, where final burial rites will be conducted in line with Islamic traditions.

The atmosphere back home remains heavy with mourning, as Nigerians prepare to bid farewell to a leader remembered for his discipline, patriotism, and decades of service to the country.