A police inspector attached to the Borno State Police Command, Abdulkadir Garba, popularly known as “Buratai,” has died after he was struck by lightning while on duty in Maiduguri.
The tragic incident happened on Wednesday during a rainfall in the Borno State capital.
The command’s Public Relations Officer, ASP Nahum Daso, confirmed the incident in a statement issued on Friday. He said the late officer was alongside a senior colleague, ASP Wazani Adamu, when the thunderstrike occurred.
Daso explained that the two officers had attempted to move to safety as the weather changed, but the lightning struck before they could find shelter.
According to the statement, “Rain often comes with its own blessings, but this one arrived with a heartbreaking streak of tragedy.”
He added, “It was on a quiet Wednesday, 7th May, 2026, at about 2:19 p.m., when Inspector Abdulkadir Garba, popularly known as ‘Buratai,’ a police officer widely respected for his dedication, commitment, and passion for duty, was carrying out his routine responsibility of coordinating vehicle parking opposite the Borno State Police Command headquarters alongside his senior colleague, ASP Wazani Adamu.
“As strong winds began to gather, both officers reportedly attempted to seek shelter before the rain started. But in a sudden and devastating moment, a loud thunderclap echoed through the atmosphere, followed instantly by a powerful lightning strike that hit both officers while they were still on duty.”
The police spokesperson said ASP Wazani Adamu survived the incident, while Inspector Garba sustained partial burns and died as a result of the strike.
“While ASP Wazani Adamu survived in what may be described as a miracle, unfortunately, Inspector Abdulkadir Garba, who was directly impacted, sadly lost his life with partial burns on his body,” Daso stated.
He described the deceased officer as a dedicated policeman who remained committed to maintaining order despite harsh weather conditions.
“He lost his life, not to violence or conflict, but to the force of the storm.
“Inspector Abdulkadir Garba was more than a police officer to many; he was a familiar face, a hardworking officer, and a symbol of dedication to service,” he said.
Daso noted that the officer’s death had thrown colleagues and residents into mourning.
“Sometimes, life reminds us how fragile and unpredictable it can be. One moment, duty calls. The next moment, eternity answers,” he added.
