A tragic thunderstorm in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, has claimed the life of a police inspector, Abdulkadir Garba, popularly known as “Buratai,” while he was on official duty.
The Borno State Police Command confirmed the incident on Friday, describing the late officer as dedicated, hardworking and committed to service.
Inspector Garba was reportedly struck by lightning on Wednesday afternoon while coordinating vehicle parking opposite the Borno State Police Command headquarters in Maiduguri. He was said to be working alongside a senior colleague, ASP Wazani Adamu, who survived the incident.
According to the command’s spokesperson, ASP Nahum Daso, the two officers had attempted to seek shelter after strong winds signalled the coming of heavy rainfall. However, before they could reach safety, a loud thunderclap was heard and lightning struck both men.
Daso, in an emotional tribute issued by the command, said the incident happened at about 2:19 p.m. on Wednesday, May 7, 2026.
He said, “Rain often comes with its own blessings, but this one arrived with a heartbreaking streak of tragedy.
“It was on a quiet Wednesday afternoon 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.”
The police spokesperson explained that while ASP Adamu survived the strike, Inspector Garba died from injuries sustained during the incident.
“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,” Daso stated.
The death of the officer has thrown the command into mourning, with colleagues and residents expressing sadness over the shocking incident.
Many residents in Maiduguri described the late inspector as a familiar face around the command headquarters and surrounding areas, where he regularly controlled traffic and coordinated parking despite the harsh weather conditions often experienced in the state.
Daso said Inspector Garba remained committed to his duty until his final moments.
“He was a man who 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,” the spokesperson said.
He added that the late officer was respected by both colleagues and members of the public because of his calm nature and dedication to work.
“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 added.
The incident has also renewed discussions about the dangers security personnel and other outdoor workers face during extreme weather conditions.
In many parts of Nigeria, especially during the rainy season, thunderstorms and lightning strikes often lead to deaths and destruction of property. Experts say lightning is one of the most dangerous natural weather events, particularly for people working in open spaces without immediate access to safe shelter.
Borno State, located in Nigeria’s North-East region, experiences intense heat during the dry season and strong storms during the rainy months. Maiduguri residents are familiar with sudden heavy rains often accompanied by strong winds, thunder and lightning.
Over the years, lightning strikes have killed farmers, herders, students and other residents in different parts of the country. In some cases, buildings, electric poles and communication facilities have also been damaged during storms.
The latest tragedy has again highlighted the risks faced by police officers and other emergency workers who continue to perform their duties regardless of weather conditions.
Residents who gathered around the command headquarters after hearing about the incident were said to have expressed shock over the sudden death of the officer.
Some described the development as painful, especially because the deceased reportedly died while trying to avoid the rain.
Police officers within the command were also said to be deeply affected by the loss of their colleague, whom many reportedly called “Buratai.”
Though the command did not give details about funeral arrangements, sources said family members and colleagues had begun preparations for his burial in line with Islamic rites.
The command also prayed for the peaceful repose of the officer’s soul and comfort for his family, friends and colleagues.
Daso noted that the tragedy serves as another reminder of how sudden and unpredictable life can be.
“Sometimes, life reminds us how fragile and unpredictable it can be. One moment, duty calls. The next moment, eternity answers,” he said.
The death of Inspector Garba has added to the painful memories of many security personnel in Borno State, a region where officers already face difficult working conditions due to years of insecurity caused by insurgency.
Although this incident was not related to violence or conflict, many residents said the loss was equally heartbreaking because the officer died while faithfully carrying out his responsibility.