The Nigeria Police Force has confirmed the death of 17 police officers following a deadly terrorist attack on the Nigerian Army Special Forces School in Buni Yadi, Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe State.
According to a statement issued by Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Okon Placide, the officers were undergoing specialised operational training at the military institution when terrorists launched a coordinated assault on the facility in the early hours of May 8, 2026.
The attack reportedly occurred around 1:15 a.m., with gunmen storming the training school from multiple directions.
The police said several Nigerian Army personnel also lost their lives while attempting to repel the attackers.
Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, described the slain officers as patriotic personnel who paid the ultimate price in service to the country.
“The fallen officers were courageous and dedicated personnel who demonstrated exceptional patriotism and commitment to national security through their participation in advanced counter-terrorism and tactical training programmes,” the statement read.
The IGP extended condolences to the families of the deceased officers, assuring them that their sacrifices would never be forgotten.
In a show of solidarity, the Commissioner of Police in Yobe State, Usman Kanfani Jibrin, visited the training institution on behalf of the IGP to commiserate with the commandant of the school, Brigadier General A.C. Enuagu, army officers, and surviving police personnel.
During the visit, Jibrin praised the courage and resilience of the surviving trainees and encouraged them to remain committed to completing the programme in honour of their fallen colleagues.
The police leadership also assured Nigerians that security agencies were intensifying efforts to track down and bring those responsible for the attack to justice.
“The Nigeria Police Force salutes the courage, sacrifice, and service of the fallen officers whose dedication to duty will forever remain honoured by the nation,” the statement added.
