Gunmen invade NIPSS, kill three security operatives in Plateau

Suspected gunmen in the early hours of Tuesday attacked the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) in Kuru, near Jos, Plateau State, killing three security operatives in what appeared to be an attempt to breach the nation’s foremost policy think tank.

The attackers reportedly stormed the institute at about 11:40 p.m. and opened fire, prompting an exchange of gunfire with security personnel stationed at the facility.

A staff member of the institute, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed the incident, saying the attackers launched the assault unexpectedly. According to the source, security operatives engaged the assailants in a fierce confrontation to prevent them from gaining access to the institution.

The staff member disclosed that three security personnel lost their lives during the attack, including two soldiers and one police officer attached to the institute’s security detail.

He added that the swift response of security forces prevented the gunmen from penetrating deeper into the facility and causing further damage.

The source, however, said the motive behind the attack remained unclear as of the time of filing this report.

Also speaking, Bulus Haruna, a resident of Kuru in Jos South Local Government Area said residents of surrounding communities were thrown into panic following the sound of sustained gunfire that lasted several hours.

Meanwhile, the management of NIPSS, Kuru, in a statement issued by Samuel Osime, the Head of Public Affairs Department insisted that there is no threat to the safety of participants, staff and residents of the institute following the security breach that occurred in the vicinity in the early hours of Tuesday.

According to the statement, the situation was promptly brought under control through the swift response of security personnel and relevant security agencies, adding that investigations had commenced to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.

“As investigations are ongoing, it would be premature to speculate on the nature, scope, or outcome of the event. The Institute is therefore unable to confirm details currently circulating on social media and other unofficial platforms,” he said.

Osime further stated that NIPSS is working closely with the appropriate authorities and will provide verified information as soon as it becomes available.

“We urge members of the public and the media to rely on official communications from the Institute and relevant security agencies. Management of NIPSS remains committed to the safety and security of staff members and participants,” he said, while commending the professionalism of the security personnel and agencies involved in the response.

Police confirm death of three security personnel in NIPSS Kuru Attack

Meanwhile, the Plateau State Police Command has confirmed the killing of three security personnel during an attack at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, in the early hours of Tuesday.

In a statement issued on Tuesday in Jos by Alfred Alabo, the Police Public Relations Officer, the Command described the incident as unfortunate and said security personnel on duty at the institute came under attack, resulting in the loss of three officers.

The police assured residents that the situation has been brought under control and that normal activities have resumed in and around the institution.