By Oluwakemi Kindness
The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has paid tribute to 17 Police Mobile Force officers killed in a terrorist attack in Yobe State, as fresh attention turns to the growing risks faced by security forces in Nigeria’s insurgency zones.
Disu led a memorial parade on Tuesday at Nigeria Police Force Headquarters in Abuja, using the occasion to underscore the human cost of sustained counter terrorism operations in the North-East.
The officers died on May 8, 2026, during an attack on the Nigerian Army Special Forces School in Buni Yadi, Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe State.
The police chief described the loss of 17 officers in a single incident as a severe blow to the force and a reminder of the intensity of ongoing security operations.
“We lost 17 officers at a go,” Disu said, as he honoured personnel he said died in active service to the nation.
He said Police Mobile Force units remain deeply involved in joint operations with the military and other security agencies across conflict-affected areas, where they continue to confront armed groups.
Disu stressed that officers continue to operate under constant threat while carrying out counter terrorism and internal security duties.
He said the fallen officers represented the growing sacrifice demanded of frontline personnel deployed to volatile regions.
The IGP assured families of the deceased officers of institutional support and said the force had activated welfare measures to assist them.
“The Nigeria Police Force stands with you in this painful moment,” he said.
He also urged Nigerians to strengthen cooperation with security agencies through timely intelligence sharing, arguing that community support remains critical to preventing attacks.
Disu warned that repeated assaults on security operatives weaken national response capacity and increase risks for civilians in affected communities.
The memorial parade also honoured other police officers who died in the line of duty nationwide, as the force continues operations in high-risk zones despite escalating security challenges.
