‎Lightning kills policeman in Maiduguri

‎May 9, 2026: A police inspector attached to the Borno State Police Command has died after being struck by lightning while on duty in Maiduguri, the state capital.
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‎The deceased officer, Inspector Abdulkadir Garba, popularly known as “Buratai,” was reportedly coordinating vehicle parking opposite the police command headquarters when the tragic incident occurred on Wednesday afternoon.
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‎According to the command’s spokesperson, ASP Nahum Daso, Garba and a senior colleague, ASP Wazani Adamu, attempted to seek shelter as rain clouds gathered before a thunderstorm erupted.
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‎Daso said the officers were struck by lightning before they could reach safety.
‎“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,” he said.
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‎While Adamu survived the incident, Garba reportedly suffered severe impact injuries and died from partial burns sustained during the strike.
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‎The police command described the late inspector as a dedicated and hardworking officer known for his commitment to duty and public service.
‎Daso added that the officer’s death had left colleagues and residents in shock, noting that Garba died “not to violence or conflict, but to the force of the storm.”
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