The Nigeria Police Force has confirmed the death of 17 officers following a coordinated midnight terrorist attack on the Nigerian Army Special Forces School in Buni Yadi, Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe State, where they were undergoing advanced counter-terrorism training.
In a statement on Saturday by the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Placid, the officers, who were participating in specialised operational and tactical training to sharpen their skills lost their lives during an attack carried out by heavily armed terrorists in the early hours of May 8, 2026.
According to Placid, several personnel of the Nigerian Army also paid the supreme price while repelling the night assault on the military facility.
He said the terrorists launched a coordinated attack on the institution from multiple directions at about 1:15 a.m.
According to him, “The Nigeria Police Force regrettably announces the tragic loss of seventeen police officers who paid the supreme price in service to the nation following a terrorist attack on the Nigerian Army Special Forces School, Buni Yadi, Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe State.”
Placid stated that the officers were among personnel selected for advanced counter-terrorism and tactical training programmes aimed at strengthening national security operations.
“The officers, who were undergoing specialised operational training at the institution, lost their lives when terrorists launched a coordinated attack on the facility from multiple directions at about 0115hrs,” he said.
The police spokesman disclosed that several gallant soldiers of the Nigerian Army also died while courageously confronting the attackers and defending the facility.
“Several gallant personnel of the Nigerian Army also made the ultimate sacrifice while courageously repelling the attack,” the statement added.
Reacting to the tragic loss, the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, described the slain officers as courageous and patriotic personnel who remained committed to protecting the nation until their final moments.
“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,” Placid quoted the IGP as saying.
The police chief also extended condolences to the bereaved families and assured them that the sacrifices of the deceased officers would never be forgotten.
“The Inspector-General of Police conveys the heartfelt condolences of the entire Force to the bereaved families, assuring them that the sacrifices of the deceased officers will forever remain honoured by the nation,” he stated.
In further demonstration of solidarity, the Commissioner of Police, Yobe State Command, Usman Kanfani Jibrin, visited the Special Forces School on behalf of the IGP to commiserate with the Nigerian Army and surviving police officers.
During the visit, the CP met with the Commandant of the institution, A.C. Enuagu, alongside officers and personnel affected by the attack.
“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,” Placid said.
The Nigeria Police Force further assured Nigerians that security agencies were intensifying collaborative efforts to track down and bring the perpetrators of the attack to justice.
“The Nigeria Police Force, working closely with the Armed Forces and other security agencies, will sustain ongoing efforts to bring the perpetrators of the attack to justice,” the statement noted.
The Force also paid tribute to the slain officers, describing their sacrifice and dedication to duty as a lasting symbol of courage and patriotism in the defence of the country.
