Tragedy struck in Maiduguri on Wednesday after a police inspector, Abdulkadir Garba, was struck to death opposite the headquarters of the Borno State Police Command.
The deceased officer popularly known as “Buratai,” was reportedly coordinating vehicle parking alongside a senior colleague, ASP Wazani Adamu, when the incident occurred at about 2:19 p.m.
Confirming the development, the command’s spokesperson, ASP Nahum Kenneth Daso, said the officers had attempted to seek shelter as strong winds signalled an approaching rainfall but were struck by lightning before reaching safety.
“Rain often comes with its own blessings, but this one arrived with a heartbreaking streak of tragedy,” Daso said in a statement.
“It was on a quiet Wednesday, May 7, 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.”
He explained that moments later, a loud thunderclap echoed through the area before a powerful lightning strike hit both officers.
While ASP Adamu survived the incident, Inspector Garba was fatally struck and sustained partial burns.
“Unfortunately, Inspector Abdulkadir Garba, who was directly impacted, sadly lost his life,” Daso said.
The police spokesman described the late officer as a committed and hardworking policeman who remained devoted to public service despite harsh weather conditions.
“He lost his life, not to violence or conflict, but to the force of the storm,” he 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 sudden death had left colleagues, friends and residents in shock and mourning.
“Sometimes, life reminds us how fragile and unpredictable it can be. One moment, duty calls. The next moment, eternity answers,” the statement added.
