The Nigeria Police Force has announced the death of 17 police officers following a terrorist attack on the Nigerian Army Special Forces School in Buni Yadi, Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe State.
This was disclosed in a statement issued on Saturday by the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Okon Placid.
According to the statement, the officers lost their lives during a coordinated terrorist assault on the military training facility in the early hours of May 8, 2026.
The police explained that the slain officers were undergoing specialised operational training at the institution when the attackers stormed the facility from different directions at about 1:15 a.m.
The statement added that several personnel of the Nigerian Army also died while bravely resisting the attackers during the confrontation.
Reacting to the incident, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, described the deceased officers as courageous and committed personnel who demonstrated patriotism and dedication to national security through their participation in advanced counter-terrorism and tactical training programmes.
The IGP extended the condolences of the Nigeria Police Force to the families of the fallen officers, assuring them that the sacrifices made by the deceased would never be forgotten.
“In further demonstration of solidarity and support, the Commissioner of Police, Yobe State Command, CP Usman Kanfani Jibrin, psc, mspsp, visited the institution on behalf of the Inspector-General of Police, where he commiserated with the Commandant of the School, Brigadier General A.C. Enuagu, officers of the Nigerian Army, and surviving police personnel undergoing training at the facility,” the statement said.
The police boss also praised the resilience and courage displayed by the surviving officers and encouraged them to remain committed to completing the training programme in honour of their fallen colleagues.
The Force further assured Nigerians that security agencies were intensifying efforts to track down and prosecute those responsible for the deadly attack.
“The Inspector-General of Police assures Nigerians that the Force, working closely with the Armed Forces and other security agencies, will sustain ongoing efforts to bring the perpetrators of the attack to justice,” the statement added.
The Nigeria Police Force also paid tribute to the slain officers, describing their sacrifice and dedication to duty as a lasting symbol of service to the nation.