The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has confirmed that 17 police officers lost their lives during a terrorist attack on the Nigerian Army Special Forces School in Buni Yadi, located in Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe State.
The attack occurred during a coordinated assault on military formations in the state. Troops under Operation Hadin Kai reportedly engaged suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters who attacked from different directions in the early hours of the day.
The police disclosed this in a statement issued on Saturday by the Force Public Relations Officer, Anthony Placid.
According to the statement, the affected officers were participating in specialised operational training at the military institution when the terrorists launched the attack.
Placid also stated that some Nigerian Army personnel lost their lives during efforts to repel the assault.
“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 reads.
The police spokesperson said the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, described the deceased officers as brave and committed personnel who devoted themselves to national security through advanced tactical and counter-terrorism training.
He added that the police chief sympathised with the families of the slain officers and assured them that their sacrifices would always be remembered.
Placid further explained that the Commissioner of Police in Yobe State, Usman Jibrin, visited the training school on behalf of the IGP.
During the visit, Jibrin commiserated with the commandant of the institution, A.C. Enuagu, army officers and surviving police personnel.
He also encouraged the surviving officers to stay focused and complete the 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.
