Terrorists Kill 17 Police Officers, 20 Soldiers in Yobe

On May 8, 2026, a coordinated terrorist attack in Yobe resulted in the deaths of 17 police officers and 20 soldiers. The assault occurred around 1:15 AM while military personnel were undergoing advanced counter-terrorism training.

The attackers launched a fierce overnight assault on a military facility, leading to a three-hour gun battle. The Nigerian Army's Special Forces School in Buni Yadi was targeted, and despite the intense firefight, the terrorists eventually retreated around 4:00 AM without breaching the facility.

The Nigerian military did not disclose the number of soldiers killed, and the police were initially unable to recover the bodies of the slain officers until the following day. The corpses were later taken to the mortuary at the University Teaching Hospital in Damaturu.

Inspector General of Police Olatunji Disu praised the courage of the fallen officers, while Yobe State Commissioner of Police Usman Jibrin expressed deep sorrow over the incident. Efforts are ongoing to ensure justice for the victims.