Suspected Attackers Storm NIPSS, Kill Three Security Personnel as Forces Repel Assault

The National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, near Jos, came under attack late Monday night as suspected gunmen attempted to breach the country’s foremost policy institution and gain access to the residential quarters housing course participants.

The attack, which reportedly began around 11:00 p.m. on June 15, claimed the lives of two soldiers and a police officer before security personnel successfully repelled the assailants.

According to initial reports, the armed men tried to force their way into the institute and advance towards the participants’ accommodation. However, security operatives stationed at the facility mounted a swift response, engaging the attackers in a gun battle and preventing them from reaching the residential area.

Sources disclosed that the police officer killed during the incident was the orderly attached to a retired Deputy Inspector-General of Police. The two soldiers also lost their lives during the exchange of gunfire.

A source familiar with the development said no participant was abducted as the security forces stopped the attackers before they could penetrate the participants’ wing of the institute.

In a statement issued in the early hours of Tuesday, June 16, NIPSS confirmed that a security incident had occurred in the vicinity of the institute but assured the public that the situation had been brought under control.

“The situation was promptly brought under control through the swift response of security personnel and relevant security agencies,” the statement signed by the Head of Public Affairs, Dr. Osime Samuel, mni, said.

The institute further stated that there was “currently no threat to the safety of participants, staff, residents, or facilities of the Institute, and normal activities are continuing as scheduled.”

NIPSS cautioned against speculation, noting that investigations into the incident were ongoing and that it would be premature to draw conclusions regarding the nature, scope or outcome of the attack.

“We urge members of the public and the media to rely on official communications from the Institute and relevant security agencies,” the statement added, while declining to confirm details circulating on social media.

As of the time of filing this report, authorities had yet to disclose the motive behind the attempted attack. Security presence around the institute has reportedly been strengthened, while investigations and manhunt operations for the perpetrators have commenced.

NIPSS, located in Kuru, Plateau State, is Nigeria’s premier policy and strategic studies institution, responsible for training senior bureaucrats, military officers and policy strategists. The attempted attack has renewed concerns over the growing reach of insecurity, even into institutions considered critical to the nation’s governance architecture.

While participants and staff escaped unharmed, the sacrifice of the three security personnel who lost their lives underscored the dangers faced daily by those tasked with protecting lives and national institutions.