A police officer attached to the Borno State Police Command, Abdulkarim Garba, popularly known as “Buratai,” was killed by a lightning strike while on duty in the state on Thursday.

In a statement to the Peoples Gazette on Saturday, the police spokesperson, Nahum Kenneth Daso, said two officers on duty were struck by lightning during a rainstorm at about 2:19 p.m. on May 7 at the command headquarters.

“It was on a quiet Thursday, 7 May, 2026, at about 2:19pm, 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 Borno State Police Command Headquarters alongside his senior colleague, ASP Wazani Adamu.”

According to him, the officers sought shelter when strong winds began before the rainfall.

He stated, “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.”

Mr Daso said Mr Adamu survived the incident, while Mr Garba, who was directly struck, died with partial burns on his body.

“In a cruel twist of nature, a man who stood daily under the scorching sun and uncertain weather to maintain order and serve humanity lost his life, not to violence or conflict, but to the force of the storm,” he added.

He described the deceased officer as hardworking and dedicated to service, adding that his sudden death had left colleagues and members of the public in shock and grief.