By Mercy Gadia
The Nigeria Police Force has announced the death of 17 of its personnel following a terrorist attack on the Nigerian Army Special Forces School in Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe State.
The incident, which occurred in the early hours of May 8, 2026, saw the officers who were undergoing specialised operational training killed when terrorists launched a coordinated assault on the facility at about 1:15am.
Several soldiers of the Nigerian Army were also reportedly killed while repelling the attack.
The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, described the slain officers as “courageous and dedicated personnel” who demonstrated patriotism and commitment to national security.
“Their participation in advanced counter-terrorism and tactical training programmes underscores their bravery and service to the nation,” he said, while extending condolences to the families of the deceased.
Disu assured that the sacrifices of the fallen officers would not be forgotten.
In a show of solidarity, the Commissioner of Police in Yobe State, Usman Kanfani Jibrin, visited the training institution on behalf of the IGP.
During the visit, he commiserated with the Commandant of the school, A.C. Enuagu, as well as officers of the Nigerian Army and surviving police personnel.
Jibrin also praised the resilience of the surviving officers and urged them to remain committed to completing their training in honour of their fallen colleagues.
The police boss reiterated that the Force, in collaboration with other security agencies, would continue efforts to track down and bring the perpetrators to justice.