By TruthNigeria Staff
(Abuja—BREAKING) Nigerian media are just waking up to the fact that a catastrophic loss of 17 policemen and two soldiers in Yobe two weeks ago has just come to light. In the early hours of Friday, May 8, 2026, suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists launched a coordinated overnight assault on multiple Nigerian security installations in Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe State, targeting key military and training facilities in the Buni Yadi/Buni Gari area — the hometown region of Yobe Governor Mai Mala Buni. Reuters correctly reported the number of casualties by incorrectly reported the attack was on Friday, May 15.
The primary targets included the Nigerian Army Special Forces School/Theatre Training Centre in Buni Yadi and the Headquarters of the 27 Task Force Brigade in Buni Gari, along with associated checkpoints. Attackers struck from multiple directions around 1:15 a.m., triggering intense gunfire and a fierce defensive response from security personnel. The Nigerian Federal Police posted a truthful report on their X account May 17. Yet, Nigeria’s pack journalists have not noticed and reported a significant defeat at the hands of Boko Haram.
Reactions from Security Experts
Counter-insurgency expert Zagazola Makama, respected for his trusted sources with authorities, reported what reads like pro-government puffery. Zagazola lauded the heavy losses inflicted on ISWAP during the failed assault on Buni Gari. His updates underscored the terrorists’ significant casualties and the troops’ effective resistance in that sector, though the simultaneous strike on the Special Forces School exposed vulnerabilities in protecting training facilities.
Zagazola avoided questions about whether the Army “dropped the ball” on perimeter security and intelligence at the Buni Yadi training center. The ability of terrorists to launch a multi-directional assault on a high-value training facility housing officers in specialized counter-terrorism programs suggests potential lapses in real-time intelligence, force protection, or rapid reinforcement, especially given that Buni Gari has faced repeated attacks. Fatalities among police trainees suggest that the school may not have been adequately fortified.
Read Zagazola Makama’s full post here:
Police Official Statement (signed by DCP Anthony Okon Placid, Force Public Relations Officer) as follows:
“The Nigeria Police Force regrettably announces the tragic loss of seventeen (17) police officers who 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, in the early hours of 8th May 2026. The officers, who were undergoing specialized operational training at the institution, lost their lives when terrorists launched a coordinated attack on the facility from multiple directions at about 0115hrs. Several gallant personnel of the Nigerian Army also made the ultimate sacrifice while courageously repelling the attack.”
Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Rilwan Disu described the slain officers as courageous and dedicated personnel committed to national security through advanced counter-terrorism training. He extended condolences to their families and pledged continued collaboration with other security.
Vanguard gave voice to the military’s claim of another victory:
“Troops of the Joint Task Force (Northeast) Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) have killed 50 members of Boko Haram/ISWAP fighters in a failed assault launched on Headquarters 27 Brigade at Buni Gari and the Buni Gari Checkpoint… The incident… also left two Soldiers dead.”
The Nigerian Army emphasized successful repulsion of the assault, claiming significant terrorist casualties (around 50 neutralized) and recovery of arms, highlighting operational superiority despite the losses.
Local Confirmation Adamu Aliyu Shared with Truth Nigeria and Community Voices Bukar Usman have provided on-the-ground confirmations to Truth Nigeria about the devastating situation.
