President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has confirmed the death of Nigeria’s former leader, Muhammadu Buhari.

In a statement from his media aide, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu revealed that Buhari passed away in London at around 4:30 pm after battling a long illness.

“President Tinubu has spoken with Mrs. Aisha Buhari, the late President’s wife, and expressed his heartfelt condolences,” the statement added.

Tinubu also directed Vice President Kashim Shettima to travel to the United Kingdom to escort Buhari’s body back to Nigeria.

Buhari was elected as Nigeria’s President in 2015 and re-elected in 2019. He had earlier ruled as the country’s military leader from January 1984 to August 1985.

To honor Buhari, President Tinubu has ordered that flags across the nation be flown at half-mast.