A police inspector died after being struck by lightning while on duty in Maiduguri, Borno State, on Wednesday, the State Police Command has confirmed.
Inspector Abdulkadir Garba, popularly known as “Buratai,” was hit alongside his senior colleague, ASP Wazani Adamu, about 2:19 p.m. on 7 May 2026.
Both officers were coordinating vehicle parking opposite the Borno State Police Command headquarters when strong winds began to gather.
According to police spokesperson ASP Nahum Daso, the officers tried to seek shelter before the rain started but were caught by the storm.
“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 what Daso described as “a miracle.” Garba suffered partial burns and died from the strike.
Daso described Garba as a dedicated officer respected for his commitment to duty, noting that he “stood daily under the scorching sun and uncertain weather to maintain order and serve humanity.”
“He lost his life, not to violence or conflict, but to the force of the storm,” Daso said.
The spokesperson said Garba’s death had left shock and grief among colleagues and members of the public who knew him.
“Sometimes, life reminds us how fragile and unpredictable it can be. One moment, duty calls. The next moment, eternity answers,” he said.
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