Terror attack on Yobe Military School claims 17 police officers, Force confirms

The Nigeria Police Force has confirmed the death of 17 of its personnel following a terrorist attack on the Nigerian Army Special Forces School in Buni Yadi, Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe State.

The attack, which occurred in the early hours of May 8, targeted officers who were undergoing specialised operational training at the military institution.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Placid, said the terrorists launched a coordinated assault on the facility at about 1:15 a.m., attacking from multiple directions.

“The officers, who were undergoing specialized operational training at the institution, lost their lives when terrorists launched a coordinated attack on the facility from multiple directions at about 01:15hrs,” the statement read.

He added that several personnel of the Nigerian Army also died while bravely repelling the assault.

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

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According to the statement, the officers were participating in advanced counter-terrorism and tactical training programmes aimed at strengthening inter-agency collaboration and operational capacity in the fight against insurgency and terrorism.

The IGP extended his condolences to the families of the deceased officers, assuring them that their sacrifices would not be forgotten.

“The Inspector-General of Police conveyed the heartfelt condolences of the entire Force to the bereaved families, assuring them that the sacrifices of the deceased officers will never be forgotten,” the statement added.

In a show of solidarity, the Commissioner of Police in Yobe State, CP Usman Kanfani Jibrin, visited the institution on behalf of the IGP. During the visit, he commiserated with the Commandant of the School, Brigadier General A.C. Enuagu, officers of the Nigerian Army, and surviving police personnel receiving training at the facility.

Jibrin commended the resilience and courage of the surviving officers and urged them to remain steadfast in completing the training programme in honour of their fallen colleagues.

The Police leadership reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with the Armed Forces and other security agencies to track down and bring the perpetrators of the attack to justice.

“The Nigeria Police Force assures Nigerians that it will sustain ongoing efforts to ensure that those responsible for this heinous attack are apprehended and made to face the full weight of the law,” the statement said.

The Force also paid tribute to the fallen officers, saluting their courage, sacrifice, and dedication to duty in the defence of the nation.