The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has confirmed 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.
According to a statement issued on Friday by the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Okon Placid, the officers were undergoing specialised operational training at the military institution when terrorists launched a coordinated attack on the facility in the early hours of May 8, 2026.
The attack reportedly occurred at about 1:15 a.m., with the terrorists advancing from multiple directions. The police said several Nigerian Army personnel also lost their lives while repelling the assault.
The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, described the deceased officers as gallant and dedicated personnel who paid the supreme sacrifice in service to the nation.
He said the officers demonstrated “exceptional patriotism and commitment to national security” through their participation in advanced counter-terrorism and tactical training programmes.
The IGP extended condolences to the families of the deceased officers, assuring them that the sacrifices of the fallen personnel would never be forgotten by the Force or the nation.
As part of efforts to console affected personnel, the Commissioner of Police in Yobe State, Usman Kanfani Jibrin, visited the Special Forces School on behalf of the IGP.
During the visit, he commiserated with the Commandant of the school, A.C. Enuagu, as well as officers of the Nigerian Army and surviving police personnel undergoing training at the facility.
He also praised the resilience and courage of the surviving officers and urged them to remain steadfast in completing the programme in honour of their fallen colleagues.
The Nigeria Police Force assured Nigerians that security agencies were intensifying efforts to track down and bring the perpetrators of 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.
