Seventeen police officers have been confirmed dead following a terrorist assault on the Nigerian Army Special Forces School in Buni Yadi, Yobe State.

The Nigeria Police Force said the incident occurred around 1:15 a.m. on May 8, 2026, when attackers stormed the facility from several directions. The officers were undergoing advanced operational training at the institution at the time.

According to a statement by Force spokesman DCP Anthony Okon Placid, a number of Army personnel also lost their lives while resisting the attackers.

Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Rilwan Disu paid tribute to the officers, calling them brave and committed to national security. He said their participation in the counter-terrorism program reflected a high level of patriotism and extended sympathies to their families.

Yobe Commissioner of Police Usman Kanfani Jibrin visited the school on behalf of the IGP, meeting with the commandant, Brig. Gen. A.C. Enuagu, Army officers, and trainees who survived. He praised their resilience and encouraged them to see the training through as a tribute to their fallen colleagues.

Security forces say operations are ongoing to identify and apprehend those responsible.