By Sabiu Abdullahi
A police inspector identified as Abdulkadir Garba has died after a lightning strike hit him in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.
The incident happened on Wednesday opposite the headquarters of the Borno State Police Command.
Garba, who was widely known as “Buratai,” was said to be controlling vehicle parking with a senior officer, ASP Wazani Adamu, when the tragedy occurred at about 2:19 p.m.
The spokesperson of the Borno State Police Command, ASP Nahum Kenneth Daso, confirmed the incident in a statement.
According to him, the officers noticed strong winds that suggested rainfall was approaching and tried to move to safety before lightning struck them.
“Rain often comes with its own blessings, but this one arrived with a heartbreaking streak of tragedy,” Daso said.
“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.”
Daso stated that a loud thunder sound was heard moments before the lightning struck the two officers.
He said ASP Adamu survived the incident, while Inspector Garba sustained partial burns and died from the impact.
“Unfortunately, Inspector Abdulkadir Garba, who was directly impacted, sadly lost his life,” Daso said.
The police spokesman described the deceased officer as diligent and committed to his work.
“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 death had thrown colleagues, friends and residents into mourning.
“Sometimes, life reminds us how fragile and unpredictable it can be. One moment, duty calls. The next moment, eternity answers,” the statement added.
