Abdulrazak was among three police officers who lost their lives on Monday after an Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) carrying them struck an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) allegedly planted by bandits along the Anka-Bagega Road during a security operation.
The two other officers killed in the explosion were Inspector Auwal Ahmad and Inspector Murtala Musa, both EOD specialists serving with the Zamfara State Police Command.
For the family, the loss goes beyond that of a police officer. They say they have lost a devoted husband, caring father, beloved son and dependable brother whose life was dedicated to serving humanity.
Speaking in Gusau, the deceased officer’s elder brother, Nasiru Yahaya Gusau, popularly known as Soker, said he had consistently urged Abdulrazak to seek a transfer from Zamfara due to the increasing security risks associated with his assignment.
“I always put pressure on him to relocate. Even two months ago, I tried to convince him to seek a transfer from Zamfara because of the dangers ahead, but he refused,” Nasiru said.
According to him, Abdulrazak remained resolute in his decision because he believed his service could contribute to lasting peace in the state.
“He told me he wanted to sacrifice so that people could have peace. Apart from our mother, I was the person he respected most and usually followed my advice. This was one instruction he refused to obey, and this is what happened,” he said.
Nasiru described his brother as a humble, trustworthy and deeply religious individual who earned the respect of colleagues and members of the community alike.
He recalled that after graduating from Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Abdulrazak managed his business successfully before joining the Nigeria Police Force in 2010.
“He was the humblest among our 11 siblings. Every morning, he was among the first to arrive at the mosque for Subh prayer and often among the last to leave, unless he was on official duty,” he said.
The family also revealed that many of Abdulrazak’s charitable acts only became known after his death, as several people came forward to recount how he had quietly supported them over the years.
His widow, Shamsiya Abubakar Maishanu, described him as a selfless officer who remained passionate about his work and never considered leaving the Anti-Bomb Squad despite the dangers involved.
“He always told me, ‘Shamsiya, I cannot work anywhere in the police service apart from the Anti-Bomb Squad,’” she recalled.
She said the late officer often insisted on personally accompanying his team on bomb disposal missions in order to motivate and encourage them.
“He was hardworking, committed and always ready to lead from the front,” she said.
According to her, Abdulrazak frequently expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve in his home state and never sought redeployment despite the challenges posed by insecurity.
“He never regretted working in Zamfara and never asked for a transfer despite the security challenges. He always thanked God for giving him the opportunity to serve his people.”
Reflecting on one of their final conversations, Shamsiya said her husband repeatedly emphasised the importance of living honestly and avoiding illicit wealth.
“He told me, ‘I feel for you and our children, but I cannot accumulate illegal wealth and then face God’s punishment. My ambition is to feed and clothe my family and pay my children’s school fees. I am content with that.’”