Former Deputy Inspector General of Police, DIG (Rtd) Abdullahi Shettima, is dead.
The elder statesman and one of Borno State’s most distinguished sons died in the early hours of Sunday at the age of 93, bringing to an end a remarkable career in public service that spanned more than three decades in the Nigeria Police Force.
Confirming the development, Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, expressed profound grief over the passing of the retired police chief, describing his death as a monumental loss to Borno State and Nigeria.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media, Dauda Iliya, Governor Zulum paid glowing tribute to the late Shettima, whom he described as a distinguished patriot, elder statesman and one of the state’s most accomplished sons.
According to the governor, the late police chief belonged to a generation of public servants who laid the foundation for professionalism, discipline and integrity in the Nigeria Police Force.
“As one of the last surviving pre-independence police officers from Borno State, he devoted over three decades of his life to serving the nation with uncommon courage, honour and distinction,” the statement said.
Governor Zulum noted that the deceased, an alumnus of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, was widely respected for his wisdom, mentorship and invaluable contributions to nation-building.
“The passing of DIG (Rtd) Abdullahi Shettima is a monumental loss, not only to his immediate family, but Borno State and Nigeria as a whole.
“He was a towering figure, mentor, guardian and a symbol of selfless service whose contributions to nation-building will never be forgotten,” Governor Zulum stated.
The governor prayed Almighty Allah (SWT) to forgive the shortcomings of the late elder statesman, grant him eternal rest in Aljannatul Firdaus, and comfort his family, friends and the people of Borno State during this difficult time.
The late Abdullahi Shettima was widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s most respected retired senior police officers and remained a source of guidance and inspiration long after his retirement from active service.
