17 police officers killed in attack on special forces college in Nigeria.

Nigeria’s police said Saturday that gunmen killed 17 of its officers last week in an attack targeting a special training center in the northeast, a stronghold of insurgent groups.

Since 2009, Nigerian authorities have faced extremists from Boko Haram and the Islamic State – West Africa Province.

Terrorist Attack

A security force statement said, “The Nigeria Police Force sadly announces the devastating loss of seventeen personnel who sacrificed themselves for the nation.. in a terrorist attack on the Nigerian Police Special Forces College” on May 8.

The statement noted that “the personnel, who were undergoing special operational training at the institution, were killed after terrorists launched a coordinated attack on the center from various positions at 1:15.”

50 Jihadists Killed

The Nigerian army said that a day after the attack in Yobe State, northeastern Nigeria, it killed at least 50 jihadists in clashes that also resulted in the deaths of two soldiers.

The army explained that those clashes occurred as its forces repelled a coordinated attack by the Islamic State on the headquarters of its battalion in Buni Gari, as well as a nearby checkpoint in Yobe State.

An intelligence source confirmed the attack and the counter-operation, but noted that the army “significantly downplayed its own losses and exaggerated the casualties inflicted on the terrorists,” without disclosing the actual figures.

An intelligence source had said last week that the casualties, dead and wounded, were transported to Maiduguri, the capital of neighboring Borno State, in six ambulances, noting that the exact toll was still unknown.

Nigerian Police Special Forces College

The Nigerian Police Special Forces College is a specialized training institution in Nigeria, established to equip police officers with advanced tactical and counter-terrorism skills. It was founded to address evolving security challenges, particularly in response to insurgencies and violent crime. The college plays a key role in enhancing the operational capacity of Nigeria’s police special forces units.

Yobe State

Yobe State, located in northeastern Nigeria, was created in 1991 from the southern part of Borno State. Its history is deeply tied to the ancient Kanem-Bornu Empire, and the region is home to significant cultural sites like the Dufuna canoe, one of the oldest boats ever discovered in Africa, dating back over 8,000 years. Despite facing challenges from the Boko Haram insurgency in recent decades, Yobe is known for its rich heritage, including traditional emirate systems and the annual Gujba fishing festival.

Buni Gari

Buni Gari is a historic settlement in the Darfur region of Sudan, known as the site of a major battle in 1897 between Sudanese forces and the French colonial army. The confrontation was part of the European “Scramble for Africa,” where French troops, seeking to expand their territory, were decisively defeated by the forces of Sultan Ali Dinar of Darfur. Today, the area is remembered for this significant resistance against colonial encroachment.

Borno State

Borno State, located in northeastern Nigeria, is a historically significant region that was once the heart of the Kanem-Bornu Empire, one of Africa’s longest-lasting empires, which thrived from the 9th to the 19th century. Known for its rich cultural heritage, including the ancient city of Maiduguri, the state has faced severe challenges in recent decades due to the Boko Haram insurgency, which has disrupted its society and economy. Despite this, Borno remains a center of traditional arts, Islamic scholarship, and trade, with efforts ongoing to

Nigerian Police Special Forces College

The Nigerian Police Special Forces College is a specialized training institution established to equip police officers with advanced tactical and combat skills for counterterrorism, hostage rescue, and high-risk operations. Located in Nasarawa State, it was officially inaugurated in 2018 to address evolving security challenges in Nigeria. The college represents a significant upgrade in the Nigerian Police Force’s capacity to handle complex security threats.

Yobe State

Yobe State, located in northeastern Nigeria, was created in 1991 from the southern part of Borno State. The region has a rich history as part of the ancient Kanem-Bornu Empire, a powerful trading and Islamic center. Today, Yobe is known for its semi-arid landscape and cultural heritage, though it has faced significant challenges from the Boko Haram insurgency.

Buni Gari

Buni Gari is a historical settlement located in the Yobe State of northeastern Nigeria, known for its ancient Kanuri culture and significance as a former stronghold of the Borno Empire. It served as a key administrative and trade center, particularly during the reign of the Mai (kings) of Kanem-Bornu, before declining due to regional conflicts and the expansion of the Sahara. Today, the site features remnants of traditional architecture and is recognized for its archaeological importance, reflecting the region’s pre-colonial heritage.

Borno State

Borno State, located in northeastern Nigeria, is a historic region once at the heart of the Kanem-Bornu Empire, a powerful medieval African kingdom that flourished from the 9th century until the 19th century. The state is home to key cultural sites, such as the ancient city of Maiduguri and the remnants of the empire’s capital at Birnin Gazargamu, reflecting a rich legacy of Islamic scholarship and trade. In recent decades, Borno has faced significant challenges due to the Boko Haram insurgency, which has deeply impacted its people and cultural heritage.

Kanem-Bornu Empire

The Kanem-Bornu Empire was a long-lasting and influential state in the Lake Chad region of West Africa, existing from roughly the 9th to the 19th century. It began as the Kanem Empire, which converted to Islam in the 11th century, and later shifted its capital to Bornu in the 14th century after internal conflicts. The empire was a major center of trade and Islamic scholarship, particularly under the Sayfawa dynasty, before its decline due to internal strife and the rise of other regional powers.

Dufuna canoe

The Dufuna canoe is a dugout canoe discovered in 1987 in the village of Dufuna, Nigeria, and is considered one of the oldest known boats in Africa, dating back to around 6500–6000 BCE. Radiocarbon dating places its origin in the Middle Stone Age, making it roughly 8,000 years old and providing crucial evidence of early human water transport and settlement along the Komadugu Gana River. Its discovery reshaped understanding of technological development in pre-colonial Africa, highlighting the region’s advanced craftsmanship long before recorded history.

Maiduguri

Maiduguri is the capital city of Borno State in northeastern Nigeria, with a history dating back to its founding in 1907 as a military outpost under British colonial rule. It grew into a major commercial and administrative hub, largely due to its role as a center for the Kanuri people and the traditional Borno Emirate. In recent decades, the city has been significantly affected by the Boko Haram insurgency, which has shaped its modern identity and challenges.

Darfur region of Sudan

The Darfur region of western Sudan is historically known as an independent sultanate before being incorporated into Anglo-Egyptian Sudan in the early 20th century. Since the 2000s, it has been the site of a devastating conflict between government forces and rebel groups, leading to widespread humanitarian crises and accusations of genocide. The region remains a focal point of political instability and ongoing peace efforts.