A lightning strike claimed the life of Police Inspector Abdulkadir Garba in Maiduguri on Wednesday afternoon. The officer, widely known as "Buratai," died near the Borno State Police Command headquarters.
Garba was coordinating vehicle parking at the time. He worked alongside ASP Wazani Adamu, a senior colleague.
Both men attempted shelter as storm clouds gathered overhead around 2:19 p.m. A powerful lightning bolt struck them before they reached safety.
ASP Nahum Kenneth Daso, the command's spokesperson, confirmed the tragic incident. According to him, strong winds had signalled imminent rainfall.
"Rain often comes with its own blessings, but this one arrived with a heartbreaking streak of tragedy," Daso noted in a statement.
Garba sustained partial burns from the direct strike. ASP Adamu, though struck alongside him, survived the incident.
Daso described the late inspector as deeply committed to his duties. He remained devoted to public service regardless of difficult weather, the spokesman added.
"He lost his life, not to violence or conflict, but to the force of the storm," Daso said.
Colleagues and residents alike expressed shock at the sudden loss. Many had known Garba as a familiar, hardworking presence in the community.
The spokesman reflected on the officer's character in broader terms. "Inspector Abdulkadir Garba was more than a police officer to many," Daso observed.
He called the late officer a symbol of dedication to public service. Friends and colleagues now grapple with grief following his death.
Daso's statement carried a somber tone about life's unpredictability. "Sometimes, life reminds us how fragile and unpredictable it can be," he wrote.
The incident occurred on Wednesday, May 7, 2026. It marked a stark reminder of nature's raw power in the region.
Garba's death has left the police command mourning one of its own. The tragedy underscores the dangers officers face even during routine duties.
