The Nigeria Police Force 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.
The officers were said to be undergoing specialised operational training at the military institution when the attackers stormed the facility in the early hours of May 8, 2026.
According to a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Okon Placid, the terrorists launched a coordinated assault on the training school from different directions at about 1:15 a.m.
The statement said the officers died while serving the country and participating in advanced tactical and counter-terrorism training programmes aimed at strengthening national security operations.
Several soldiers of the Nigerian Army were also reportedly killed during the attack as troops battled the terrorists in a fierce gunfight to defend the facility.
The incident is one of the deadliest attacks on a security training institution in recent months and has once again highlighted the security challenges facing the North-East region.
Buni Yadi, located in Yobe State, has experienced repeated terrorist attacks over the years due to the activities of insurgent groups operating within the region. The area remains one of the locations heavily affected by the Boko Haram insurgency and related extremist violence.
For more than a decade, Nigeria’s North-East has witnessed attacks on communities, military formations, schools and public institutions by terrorist groups seeking to destabilise the region.
Security agencies have intensified military operations in recent years, leading to the killing of many insurgents and the recovery of territories previously controlled by terrorists. However, attacks on civilians and security formations still occur in some parts of Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states.
In the latest attack, the police said the fallen officers displayed courage and patriotism while undergoing training designed to improve their combat readiness and operational capacity.
The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, described the slain officers as brave and dedicated personnel who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to the nation.
According to the statement, the IGP expressed deep sadness over the incident and extended condolences to the families of the deceased officers.
He assured the bereaved families that the sacrifices of the fallen personnel would never be forgotten by the nation and the Police Force.
“The officers demonstrated exceptional patriotism and commitment to national security through their participation in advanced counter-terrorism and tactical training programmes,” the statement noted.
As part of efforts to show support and solidarity, the Commissioner of Police in Yobe State, Usman Kanfani Jibrin, visited the Army Special Forces School on behalf of the Inspector-General of Police.
During the visit, he commiserated with the Commandant of the school, A.C. Enuagu, officers of the Nigerian Army and surviving police officers who were undergoing training at the institution.
The police commissioner also praised the courage and resilience of the surviving trainees, encouraging them not to lose hope despite the painful loss of their colleagues.
He urged them to remain committed to completing the training programme in honour of the fallen officers.
The police authorities also reaffirmed their commitment to working with the Nigerian Armed Forces and other security agencies to track down those responsible for the attack.
The Inspector-General assured Nigerians that security agencies would continue operations aimed at defeating terrorism and restoring peace to affected communities.
The attack has again raised concerns about the persistent threat posed by insurgent groups despite ongoing military operations across the North-East.
Over the years, the Nigerian military and police have increased collaboration through joint training programmes and coordinated operations against insurgents, bandits and kidnappers across the country.
The Nigerian Army Special Forces School in Buni Yadi plays an important role in preparing security personnel for high-risk operations, including counterterrorism missions, intelligence gathering and tactical response operations.
Many officers from different security agencies regularly undergo specialised courses at the institution to improve operational effectiveness.
Residents of Yobe State and neighbouring communities have continued to call for stronger security presence in the region following repeated attacks by terrorists.
Community leaders have also urged the Federal Government to strengthen intelligence gathering, improve equipment for security agencies and provide better welfare for troops and officers fighting insurgency.
Families of fallen security personnel often face emotional and economic hardship after losing loved ones in active service. In recent years, security experts and civil society groups have called for improved support systems for families of officers killed in the line of duty.
Meanwhile, tributes have continued to pour in for the slain officers, with many Nigerians praising their bravery and sacrifice.
The Nigeria Police Force said the courage, service and dedication of the deceased officers would remain part of the nation’s history.
“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.