The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) says 17 police officers were killed during a terrorist attack on the Nigerian Army Special Forces School in Buni Yadi, Gujba LGA of Yobe State.
The attack occurred on May 8 when fighters suspected to be members of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) launched a coordinated assault on military formations in the area.
According to earlier reports, the insurgents attacked around 2 a.m. from multiple directions under the cover of darkness but encountered heavy resistance from troops of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), the joint task force in the north-east.
In a statement issued on Saturday, Anthony Placid, the force public relations officer (PRO), said the slain officers were undergoing specialised operational training at the institution when the terrorists struck.
Placid added that several Nigerian Army personnel were also killed while repelling the attack.
“The officers 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,” the statement said.
The police spokesperson said Kayode Egbetokun, inspector-general of police (IGP), described the deceased officers as “courageous and dedicated personnel” who demonstrated strong commitment to national security through their participation in advanced counter-terrorism and tactical training programmes.
According to Placid, the IGP extended condolences to the families of the fallen officers and assured them that their sacrifices would not be forgotten.
He said Usman Jibrin, commissioner of police in Yobe State, visited the training institution on behalf of the IGP and commiserated with A.C. Enuagu, commandant of the school, army officers, and surviving police personnel.
The commissioner also encouraged the surviving officers to remain steadfast and complete the training programme in honour of their fallen colleagues.
“The Inspector-General of Police assures Nigerians that the Force, working closely with the Armed Forces and other security agencies, will sustain ongoing efforts to bring the perpetrators of the attack to justice,” Placid added.
