Manny Ita –
At least 17 police officers undergoing specialised operational training have been killed after suspected Islamist insurgents attacked the Nigerian Army Special Forces School in Buni Yadi, Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe State.
The attack, described as one of the deadliest recent assaults on a security facility in Nigeria’s North-east, occurred in the early hours of 8 May at about 1:15 a.m., according to police authorities.
Police spokesperson Anthony Placid, a deputy commissioner of police, said the officers were participating in advanced tactical and counter-terrorism training when gunmen launched a coordinated overnight assault on the military institution from multiple directions.
In a statement, Mr Placid said the slain officers “paid the supreme price in service to the nation” following the terrorist attack on the Nigerian Army Special Forces School in Buni Yadi.
He added that several Nigerian Army personnel were also killed while attempting to repel the attackers, although authorities did not disclose the exact number of military casualties.
Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu described the fallen officers as courageous personnel who demonstrated patriotism and commitment to national security.
The police chief extended condolences to the families of the victims and assured Nigerians that the sacrifices of the deceased officers would not be forgotten.
Yobe State Commissioner of Police Usman Jibrin later visited the military institution on behalf of the Inspector-General, where he met with the commandant, Brigadier General A.C. Enuagu, other military officers, and surviving police trainees.
During the visit, Mr Jibrin encouraged the remaining trainees to stay focused and complete their programme in honour of their fallen colleagues.
Police authorities also vowed to continue joint operations with the Armed Forces and other security agencies to track down and bring those responsible for the attack to justice.
The assault has renewed concerns over persistent insecurity in Nigeria’s North-east, where insurgent groups such as Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) continue to launch attacks on military formations, communities and strategic facilities despite years of counter-insurgency operations.
Buni Yadi, located in a historically volatile area of Yobe State, has witnessed repeated extremist violence over the years.
Security analysts say the latest incident highlights the continued operational capacity of insurgent groups and raises concerns about vulnerabilities within some security installations.
Nigeria’s North-east insurgency, now in its second decade, has led to the deaths of thousands of people and displaced millions across the region.
