NEWS
Tragedy in Maiduguri as Thunder Strike Kills Police Inspector “Buratai” While on Duty, Colleague Narrowly Escapes Death
A tragic incident has thrown the Borno State Police Command into mourning following the death of a police inspector, Abdulkadir Garba, popularly known as “Buratai,” who reportedly lost his life after being struck by lightning while carrying out his official duties in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.
The heartbreaking development was confirmed by the spokesperson of the command, ASP Nahum Daso, in a tribute issued on Friday, where he revealed that the unfortunate incident occurred on Wednesday, May 7, 2026, during a heavy rainfall accompanied by strong winds and thunderstorm.
According to Daso, the deceased officer was alongside his senior colleague, ASP Wazani Adamu, at the time the incident happened. Both officers were reportedly on duty coordinating vehicle parking opposite the Borno State Police Command headquarters before the weather suddenly changed.
He explained that the officers had attempted to seek shelter as the storm approached, but they were tragically struck by lightning before reaching safety.
The statement read, “Rain often comes with its own blessings, but this one arrived with a heartbreaking streak of tragedy.
“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.”
Daso disclosed that while ASP Wazani Adamu survived the terrifying incident, Inspector Garba sadly succumbed to the impact of the lightning strike after sustaining partial burns on his body.
He stated, “While ASP Wazani Adamu survived in what may be described as a miracle, unfortunately, Inspector Abdulkadir Garba, who was directly impacted, sadly lost his life with partial burns on his body.”
The police spokesperson further described the deceased as a committed and hardworking officer who remained dedicated to maintaining order and serving the public regardless of harsh weather conditions.
According to him, Inspector Garba was admired by many within and outside the police force due to his dedication, humility, and unwavering commitment to duty.
“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,” he said.
The tragic death has reportedly left colleagues, friends, and residents in deep shock and sorrow, with many struggling to come to terms with the painful loss of an officer said to have served with passion and courage.
Daso noted that the incident serves as another painful reminder of how unpredictable life can be, especially for security personnel who daily put themselves at risk while protecting lives and maintaining public order.
“Sometimes, life reminds us how fragile and unpredictable it can be. One moment, duty calls. The next moment, eternity answers,” he said.