Bushra MohamedBBC World Service
Corbis/Getty ImagesOn January 11, 1995, Kenyan pilots Hussein Mohamed Anshuur and Mohamed Adan undertook a clandestine mission to transport the body of former Somali ruler Siad Barre from Nigeria to Somalia for burial, following Barre’s death in exile. The request, made by a Nigerian diplomat, involved significant political risk, as Barre had been overthrown and his return was sensitive due to regional tensions. Despite initial reservations, the pilots agreed to the mission under the condition that Nigerian officials accompany them and ensure political safety. The operation was covertly executed, departing from Nairobi under a false flight manifest to avoid detection.

