The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has announced 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 the Force Headquarters, the officers were undergoing specialised operational training at the military institution when heavily armed terrorists launched a coordinated attack on the facility in the early hours of May 8, 2026.
The attack reportedly occurred around 1:15am, with the terrorists storming the school from multiple directions. Several Nigerian Army personnel were also said to have lost their lives while bravely resisting the assault.
The Inspector-General of Police, , described the fallen officers as courageous and dedicated personnel who sacrificed their lives in service to the nation through advanced counter-terrorism and tactical training operations.
The IGP expressed condolences to the families of the deceased officers and assured them that the sacrifices of the fallen personnel would never be forgotten by the nation.
As part of efforts to show solidarity, Yobe State Commissioner of Police, CP Usman Kanfani Jibrin, visited the Special Forces School on behalf of the IGP, where he commiserated with the Nigerian Army authorities, including the Commandant of the institution, Brigadier General A.C. Enuagu, as well as surviving police officers undergoing training.
The police leadership also praised the resilience and bravery of surviving officers and encouraged them to remain committed to completing the training programme in honour of their fallen colleagues.
The Nigeria Police Force reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with the Armed Forces and other security agencies to track down and bring those responsible for the attack to justice.
The tragic incident has once again highlighted the persistent security challenges facing parts of northern Nigeria and the continued sacrifices made by security personnel in the fight against terrorism and insurgency.
