The Nigeria Police Force has confirmed the death of 17 police officers following a terrorist attack on a military training facility in Buni Yadi, Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe State.
- +Police confirm 17 officers killed in Yobe Army school attack
The attack occurred in the early hours of May 8, 2026, at the Nigerian Army Special Forces School, where the officers were undergoing specialised counter-terrorism and tactical training.
The attack occurred in the early hours of May 8, 2026, at the Nigerian Army Special Forces School, where the officers were undergoing specialised counter-terrorism and tactical training.
According to a statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, Deputy Commissioner of Police Anthony Placid, on Saturday, the attackers launched a coordinated assault on the facility at about 1:15 a.m., striking from multiple directions.
“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,” Placid said.
Several personnel of the Nigerian Army were also killed while repelling the attack.
The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, described the deceased officers as brave personnel who had demonstrated strong commitment to national security through their participation in advanced training programmes.
He extended condolences to the families of the fallen officers and assured them that their sacrifice would not be forgotten.
“The sacrifices of the deceased officers will never be forgotten,” he said.
Following the incident, the Commissioner of Police in Yobe State, Usman Jibrin, visited the training facility to commiserate with military authorities and surviving personnel.
He encouraged officers still undergoing training to remain resilient and complete their programme in honour of their fallen colleagues.
“The resilience and courage of the surviving officers are commendable, and they must remain resolute in completing their training,” he said.
The police also confirmed that efforts are ongoing, in collaboration with the military and other security agencies, to track down and bring those responsible for the attack to justice.
The Force said the fallen officers would be honoured for their service and sacrifice to the nation.
