Nigeria’s security community was thrown into mourning on Tuesday as the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, paid tribute to 17 police officers killed during a deadly terrorist attack in Yobe State.
The emotional ceremony was held at the Force Headquarters in Abuja. Meanwhile, prayers were offered for the fallen officers by both Christian and Muslim leaders.
The slain officers, attached to the Police Mobile Force, lost their lives during an attack on the Nigerian Army Special Forces School in Buni Yadi, Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe State. The incident happened in the early hours of May 8, 2026.
The tragic loss has once again raised concerns over the growing security threats in Northern Nigeria. However, the police leadership insisted that the force would not back down in the fight against terrorism and kidnapping.
Speaking during the tribute, Disu described the officers as heroes who paid the ultimate sacrifice while defending the country.
“Today, we gather with heavy hearts but with immense pride to honour 17 gallant officers of the Police Mobile Force who paid the supreme price in service to our dear nation during the terrorist attack on the Nigerian Army Special Forces School, Buni Yadi, Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe State, in the early hours of 8th May, 2026,” he said.
He added, “These brave men died while standing in defence of Nigeria, her people, and our collective peace and security”.
Disu stressed that the sacrifice of the deceased officers represented the highest level of patriotism and duty.
According to him, hundreds of police personnel remain deployed across the North-East region in joint operations with the military and other security agencies.
“The Nigeria Police Force, particularly the Police Mobile Force, continues to maintain hundreds of personnel across the NorthEast region in joint operations with the Armed Forces and other security agencies, confronting terrorism and violent extremism daily,” he stated.
Furthermore, the IGP said officers continue to risk their lives under difficult conditions so Nigerians can live in peace.
“Our officers continue to put their lives on the line, often under extremely difficult conditions, so that every Nigerian family can sleep at night with a measure of safety and peace,” Disu added.
The police chief also assured grieving families that they would not be abandoned after the tragic incident.
“We want every Nigerian to feel, and to know in their hearts, that there are men and women in uniform who wake up every morning with one purpose: to serve, to protect, and if called upon, to give everything,” he said.
Moreover, he acknowledged the deep pain faced by the families left behind.
“Behind every fallen officer is a family left behind, a future cut short, and a nation that owes them an immeasurable debt of gratitude,” the IGP stated.
Disu vowed that the deaths of the officers would not be in vain.
“Their sacrifices will never be forgotten, and we solemnly pledge that their deaths will not be in vain,” he declared.
Despite the painful attack, the police leadership insisted operations against terrorists and kidnappers would continue across the country.
“The Nigeria Police Force will not waver. We will continue to show up, to stand firm, and to give our very best in service to this great nation,” Disu said.
The tribute ceremony ended with prayers for the souls of the deceased officers and renewed calls for unity against insecurity in Nigeria.
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