London: Former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari has passed away at the age of 82, his family announced this afternoon.

He died in a clinic in London, where he had been receiving medical treatment. The family did not disclose the specific illness that led to his demise.

Buhari, a retired Nigerian Army Major General, served as Nigeria’s military Head of State from December 31, 1983, to August 27, 1985, when he was overthrown in a military coup by General Ibrahim Babangida.

After more than two decades out of power, he successfully campaigned and was elected as a civilian president in 2015, succeeding former President Goodluck Jonathan.

He was re-elected in 2019 and completed his second term in 2023.

His political career was marked by a strong stance against corruption and a focus on national discipline.

He was the second military head of state in Nigeria’s history to successfully transition back to civilian rule and win a democratic election, following General Olusegun Obasanjo.

Following his overthrow in 1985, Buhari was detained in Benin City, while General Babangida brought many of Buhari’s most vocal critics into his administration.