17 police officers killed in ISWAP attack on Yobe military base

The Nigeria Police Force has announced that 17 police officers undergoing specialized operational training were killed alongside several soldiers during an ISWAP terrorist attack on the Nigerian Army Special Forces School in Buni Yadi, Yobe State.

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has confirmed that 17 police officers were killed during a coordinated terrorist assault on the Nigerian Army Special Forces School in Buni Yadi, Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe State. In an official statement issued on Saturday, May 16, 2026, the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Okon Placid, disclosed that the deceased officers were undergoing advanced counter-terrorism and tactical operations training at the military institution when heavily armed fighters, suspected to be members of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), launched a multi-directional attack. The insurgents reportedly utilized the cover of darkness to breach security perimeters at approximately 2:00 AM on May 8, triggering an intense gun battle that resulted in significant casualties among both police trainees and Nigerian Army personnel.

Despite the heavy casualties suffered during the initial breach, joint troops of the North-East Joint Task Force, Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), successfully engaged the invaders with overwhelming firepower, forcing the remaining terrorists to retreat. The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, described the fallen officers as exceptionally courageous and dedicated personnel who demonstrated an unwavering commitment to national security by volunteering for the elite training program. The police chief extended his deepest condolences to the families of the slain personnel, giving firm assurances that the ultimate sacrifices made by the officers in defense of the nation’s territorial integrity would be permanently honored and never forgotten by the security hierarchy.

To assess the situation and bolster the morale of the remaining forces, the Yobe State Commissioner of Police, Usman Jibrin, visited the training institution on behalf of the IGP to commiserate with the school’s commandant, Major General A.C. Enuagu, as well as surviving army and police personnel. The commissioner urged the surviving trainees to remain resolute, process their grief into strength, and successfully complete the specialized course as a tribute to their fallen colleagues. Meanwhile, the police high command assured the public that they are actively collaborating with the Armed Forces of Nigeria to track down the perpetrators, promising that ongoing intelligence and kinetic operations will be sustained until those behind the Buni Yadi breach are brought to justice.

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