Borno Command Mourns As Thunderstrike Kills Police Inspector While On Duty

The Borno State Police Command has confirmed the death of a police inspector, Abdulkadir Garba, popularly known as “Buratai”, who lost his life after being struck by lightning while on duty in Maiduguri, the state capital.

The Command’s Public Relations Officer, ASP Nahum Daso, disclosed this in a tribute posted on Facebook on Friday, noting that the tragic incident occurred on Wednesday and also involved the deceased’s senior colleague, ASP Wazani Adamu, who survived.

According to Daso, both officers had attempted to seek shelter as strong winds gathered ahead of rainfall but were struck before reaching safety.

“Rain often comes with its own blessings, but this one arrived with a heartbreaking streak of tragedy,” the statement read.

“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,” he said.

Daso added that while ASP Adamu survived “in what may be described as a miracle,” Inspector Garba, who was directly impacted, died from the strike, sustaining partial burns.

He described the deceased as a committed officer who stood daily under harsh weather conditions to maintain order and serve the public.

“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,” Daso said.

The spokesperson noted that the officer’s sudden death has 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,” the Police spokesman added.