The Borno State Police Command has confirmed the death of a police inspector, Abdulkadir Garba, popularly known as “Buratai,” who was killed by a lightning strike while on duty in Maiduguri.
The command’s spokesperson, ASP Nahum Daso, disclosed this in a tribute issued on Friday, saying the incident occurred on Wednesday while Garba was on duty alongside a senior colleague, ASP Wazani Adamu, who survived.
According to Daso, the two officers attempted to seek shelter as strong winds and rain approached but were struck by lightning before reaching safety.
“It was on a quiet Wednesday, 7th May, 2026, at about 2:19 p.m., when Inspector Abdulkadir Garba, popularly known as ‘Buratai,’ was carrying out his routine responsibility of coordinating vehicle parking opposite the Borno State Police Command headquarters alongside his senior colleague, ASP Wazani Adamu,” the statement read.
“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.”
Daso said Adamu survived the incident, while Garba died after sustaining partial burns.
“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,” he said.
The police spokesperson described Garba as a dedicated officer who served diligently despite harsh weather conditions.
“He lost his life, not to violence or conflict, but to the force of the storm,” Daso said. “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.”
Daso added that the officer’s death had left colleagues and members of the public in shock and grief.
“Sometimes, life reminds us how fragile and unpredictable it can be. One moment, duty calls. The next moment, eternity answers,” he said. The
