By Nkechi Eze
The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) 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.
In an official signed statement, Force Public Relations Officer, Deputy Commissioner of Police Anthony Placid, disclosed that 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 8 May 2026.
According to the statement, the attackers stormed the training institution from multiple directions at about 1:15 a.m., leading to intense gunfire exchanges during which the police officers and several Nigerian Army personnel lost their lives while resisting the assault.
The statement noted that the fallen officers died in active service to the nation while participating in advanced counter-terrorism and tactical training programmes aimed at strengthening national security operations.
Reacting to the incident, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, psc (+), NPM, described the deceased officers as courageous and dedicated personnel whose patriotism and commitment to duty remained exemplary.
The IGP conveyed the condolences of the entire Nigeria Police Force to the families of the slain officers and assured them that the sacrifices of the personnel would never be forgotten.
“The fallen officers demonstrated exceptional patriotism and commitment to national security through their participation in advanced counter-terrorism and tactical training programmes,” the statement said.
As part of efforts to demonstrate solidarity with affected personnel, the Commissioner of Police, Yobe State Command, CP Usman Kanfani Jibrin, psc, mspsp, visited the institution on behalf of the Inspector-General of Police.
During the visit, the police commissioner commiserated with the Commandant of the Nigerian Army Special Forces School, Brigadier General A.C. Enuagu, officers of the Nigerian Army, and surviving police personnel undergoing training at the facility.
CP Jibrin also praised the resilience and bravery of the surviving officers and encouraged them to remain steadfast in completing the training programme in honour of their fallen colleagues.
The Inspector-General of Police further assured Nigerians that the Force, in collaboration with the Armed Forces of Nigeria and other security agencies, would sustain ongoing operations to track down and bring the perpetrators of the attack to justice.
The Nigeria Police Force also paid tribute to the slain officers, describing their courage, sacrifice, and service as worthy of national honour and remembrance.
