The Nigeria Police Force has confirmed the death of 17 officers after terrorists attacked the Nigerian Army Special Forces School in Buni Yadi, Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe State.

The incident occurred in the early hours of May 8, 2026, when attackers stormed the facility from multiple directions at about 1:15 a.m. The officers were undergoing specialised operational training.

Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Placid, said the confrontation was intense, leading to heavy casualties among police and army personnel.

Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, described the slain officers as “courageous and dedicated personnel who demonstrated exceptional patriotism and commitment to national security.”

He assured families that their sacrifices would not be forgotten. The Commissioner of Police in Yobe State, CP Usman Kanfani Jibrin, visited the school to commiserate with Commandant Brigadier General A.C. Enuagu and surviving officers.

During the visit, Jibrin praised the resilience of trainees and urged them to complete their programme in honour of their fallen colleagues.

The Inspector-General pledged that the Force, in collaboration with the Armed Forces, would continue efforts to track down those responsible.

National Mourning And Calls For Action

Former Anambra State Governor and presidential hopeful Peter Obi also mourned the loss. He said: “Every security personnel killed is a tragedy to our nation. Every fallen officer represents a family thrown into grief.”

Obi described the incident as a national tragedy and called for compensation and long-term welfare for the families of slain officers. He added: “To the families of the fallen heroes, I offer my deepest and most heartfelt sympathies.”

He urged the Federal Government to confront insecurity with sincerity, professionalism, and political will, stressing that sacrifices of security personnel must not be treated lightly.

The attack underscores the persistent threat of insurgent groups in Nigeria’s northeast, where military and police personnel are also even the prime targets.