Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has expressed profound sadness over the passing of retired Deputy Inspector General of Police, DIG (Rtd) Abdullahi Shettima, OON, mni, who died in the early hours of Sunday at the age of 93.
In a statement by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media, Dauda Iliya, Governor Zulum described late Shettima as a distinguished patriot, elder statesman and one of Borno’s most accomplished sons, whose lifetime of dedicated service to Nigeria will remain an enduring source of inspiration.
The Governor noted that the late DIG belonged to a remarkable 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 the service of the nation with uncommon courage, honour and distinction.
The late DIG Abdullahi Shettima who is also an alumnus of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, was widely respected for his wisdom and mentorship, adding that his death represents the loss of an invaluable repository of knowledge and experience.
“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,” Zulum stated.
The Governor prayed to Almighty Allah (SWT) to forgive the shortcomings of the deceased, grant him eternal rest in Aljannatul Firdaus, and give his family, friends and the entire people of Borno the courage to bear the loss with fortitude.