Police mourn 17 officers killed by terrorists at Yobe Army Special Forces School.

Linus Aleke in Abuja

The Nigeria Police Force has expressed its grief over the death of 17 police officers who were killed during a terrorist attack on the Nigerian Army Special Forces School in Buni Yadi, Gujba Local Government Area, Yobe State.

The officers were participating in specialised operational training at the military institution when they were struck by a coordinated assault carried out by terrorists in the early hours of 8 May 2026.

According to a statement from the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Placid, the attackers entered the facility from multiple directions at about 1:15 a.m., resulting in a fierce confrontation with the security personnel on site.

He added that several Nigerian Army personnel also made the ultimate sacrifice while resisting the attack.

Inspector‑General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu described the fallen officers as courageous and dedicated, noting that they had shown exceptional patriotism and commitment to national security through their participation in advanced counter‑terrorism and tactical training programmes.

The IGP conveyed the condolences of the entire Nigeria Police Force to the families of the deceased officers and assured them that the sacrifices of the fallen would never be forgotten.

“In a further demonstration of solidarity and support, the Commissioner of Police, Yobe State Command, CP Usman Kanfani Jibrin, visited the institution on behalf of the Inspector‑General of Police. 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.

“He commended the resilience and courage of the surviving officers and encouraged them to remain resolute in completing the training programme in honour of their fallen colleagues,” the statement added.

The Inspector‑General of Police further assured Nigerians that the Force, together with the Armed Forces and other security agencies, would continue efforts to track down and bring those responsible for the attack to justice.

The Nigeria Police Force also paid tribute to the courage, sacrifice and dedication of the deceased officers, affirming that their service and commitment to duty will continue to be honoured by the nation.