Police Officers on Combat Training gunned down by terrorists
Seventeen police officers undergoing specialised combat training have been killed in a terrorist attack on the Nigerian Army Special Forces School in Buni Yadi, Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe State. The officers were among security personnel targeted during a coordinated overnight assault by suspected fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) on […]
Seventeen police officers undergoing specialised combat training have been killed in a terrorist attack on the Nigerian Army Special Forces School in Buni Yadi, Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe State.
The officers were among security personnel targeted during a coordinated overnight assault by suspected fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) on military formations in the state.
The Nigeria Police Force confirmed the deaths in a statement issued on Saturday by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Anthony Placid.
According to the statement, the attack occurred while the officers were participating in advanced operational training at the military institution.
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The insurgents reportedly launched the assault from different directions under the cover of darkness.
Security sources said troops of Operation Hadin Kai engaged the attackers in a fierce gun battle and eventually repelled the assault with heavy firepower.
Placid said several Nigerian Army personnel also lost their lives during the confrontation.
“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 said.
The police spokesperson quoted the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, as describing the slain officers as courageous and dedicated personnel committed to national security.
He said the officers had enrolled in advanced counter-terrorism and tactical training programmes aimed at strengthening ongoing operations against insurgents in the North-East.
The IGP also extended condolences to the families of the deceased officers, assuring them that the sacrifices of the fallen personnel would not be forgotten.
As part of efforts to console affected personnel, the Commissioner of Police in Yobe State, Usman Jibrin, visited the training institution on behalf of the police leadership.
During the visit, Jibrin commiserated with the Commandant of the school, A.C. Enuagu, army authorities and surviving police officers.
He also encouraged the remaining trainees to remain 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.