Terrorists attack army school in Yobe, kill 17 police officers

The Nigeria Police Force regrettably announces the tragic loss of seventeen (17) 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, in the early hours of 8th May, 2026.

No fewer than 17 police officers have been confirmed dead following a terrorist attack on the Nigerian Army Special Forces School in Buni Yadi, Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe State.

The Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Placid, confirmed the incident via a statement issued on Saturday, May 16, 2026.

Placid said the police officers, who were undergoing specialised operational training at the institution, were killed when terrorists launched a coordinated attack on the facility from multiple directions at about 01:15 a.m. on May 8.

Placid added that several personnel of the Nigerian Army also lost their lives while repelling the attack.

Security operatives seal escape routes after students’ abduction in Oyo

He quoted the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Disu, as describing the slain officers as “courageous and dedicated personnel who demonstrated exceptional patriotism and commitment to national security through their participation in advanced counter-terrorism and tactical training programmes.”

The IGP also conveyed condolences of the entire Force to the bereaved families, assuring them that the sacrifices of the deceased officers will never be forgotten.

Placid added that the Yobe State Commissioner of Police, Usman Jibrin, visited the institution on behalf of the IGP, where he commiserated with the Commandant of the School, Brigadier General A.C. Enuagu, officers of the Nigerian Army, and surviving police personnel undergoing training at the facility.