Lightning bolt claims life of on-duty police inspector in Borno

The Borno State Police Command has confirmed that a police inspector, Abdulkadir Garba, also known as "Buratai," was fatally struck by lightning while on duty in Maiduguri, the state capital, resulting in his death.

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According to ASP Nahum Daso, the command's public relations officer, the incident occurred on Wednesday, 7th May, 2026, at about 2:19 p.m., when Inspector Garba was coordinating vehicle parking opposite the Borno State Police Command headquarters alongside his senior colleague, ASP Wazani Adamu.

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As the weather began to take a turn for the worse, both officers attempted to seek shelter before the rain started, but were caught off guard by a sudden lightning strike that hit them while they were still on duty.

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The statement from ASP Daso revealed that while ASP Wazani Adamu miraculously survived the incident, Inspector Abdulkadir Garba, who was directly impacted, sadly lost his life with partial burns on his body.

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Inspector Garba was described by ASP Daso as a dedicated and passionate officer who stood daily under the scorching sun and uncertain weather to maintain order and serve humanity, ultimately losing his life to the force of the storm rather than violence or conflict.

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ASP Daso noted that Inspector Garba was more than just a police officer to many, but a familiar face, a hardworking officer, and a symbol of dedication to service, whose sudden passing has left shock, grief, and painful memories in the hearts of colleagues and members of the public who knew him.

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The police spokesperson reflected on the fragility and unpredictability of life, stating that one moment duty calls, and the next moment, eternity answers, as was the case with Inspector Garba's tragic and unexpected death.