Tinubu assures enhanced security measures at NIPSS, pays tribute to fallen officers

Tinubu assures enhanced security measures at NIPSS, pays tribute to fallen officers

The Federal Government of Nigeria and the Plateau State Government have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the security of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, while preserving its strategic role as Nigeria’s foremost institution for policy formulation, leadership development, and nation-building.

President Bola Tinubu, disclosed this on Friday in his condolence message to the management, staff, participants, and families affected by the recent terrorist attack on the Institute, which claimed the lives of three security personnel who paid the ultimate price in defence of the nation’s premier policy and strategic leadership institution.

Represented by Kashim Shettima, the Vice President, Tinubu described the fallen officers as national heroes whose sacrifices in the service of the nation would forever be remembered.

He assured the Institute community that the Federal Government had activated emergency security measures aimed at safeguarding NIPSS and other critical national assets across the country.

Addressing participants and staff during his visit to the institution in Kuru, Plateau state, vice president Shettima commended the courage, discipline, and resilience demonstrated by the management, staff, and participants of the Institute during the attack.

He observed that their response reflected the qualities of leadership and patriotism expected of those entrusted with shaping Nigeria’s future.

“When darkness came to the gates of this Institute, it expected to find people who would scatter into the night. Instead, it found men and women who stood their ground. No examination, no thesis, and no seminar could better demonstrate your preparedness than the courage you displayed under fire,” the Vice President stated.

Shettima emphasised that while criminal elements may target physical infrastructure, they could never undermine the enduring mission and purpose of NIPSS.

“For nearly five decades, NIPSS has remained the crucible where Nigeria’s strategic minds are nurtured and prepared for national service. Criminals may attack our fences, but they cannot attack our purpose, nor can they defeat the future that this nation is determined to build,” he said.

The vice president further announced President Tinubu’s directive for the immediate reinforcement of security around the Institute and disclosed that a comprehensive security enhancement plan is to be submitted to the Office of the Vice President within seventy-two hours for implementation.

He also assured the families of the fallen officers of the Federal Government’s support and commitment to their welfare.

“Their sacrifice will not be forgotten. Their children will be our children, and their welfare will remain our collective responsibility,” he affirmed.

As part of immediate interventions, Shettima announced the donation of fifty solar-powered lighting units to improve security and visibility within participants’ residential areas and other vulnerable locations across the Institute.

Caleb Mutfwang, the Plateau state governor commended the bravery of the security personnel and participants who resisted the attack, describing their actions as a courageous defence of a national institution and Nigeria’s collective heritage.

Governor Mutfwang reaffirmed the state’s commitment to the protection of NIPSS and other federal institutions within the Kuru-Vom axis.

He announced immediate state government interventions, including the enhancement of street lighting infrastructure, provision of logistical support, and strengthening of security operations in collaboration with relevant security agencies.

In his remarks, Ayo Omotayo, the director-general of NIPSS expressed profound appreciation to President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima for the Federal Government’s swift response and solidarity with the Institute.

He described the Vice President’s visit as a powerful demonstration of the government’s commitment to the safety and security of personnel dedicated to national service.

“Your presence today is a clear reflection of the concern and commitment of the Federal Government to the security and well-being of citizens and personnel devoted to national service. We are reassured that the Institute remains firmly within the attention and protection of government,” Omotayo stated.

While noting that the attack was successfully repelled, he lamented the loss of the three gallant security personnel whose sacrifice underscored the risks undertaken daily in the protection of Nigeria’s strategic institutions.

Omotayo disclosed that the Institute had already commenced a comprehensive review of its security architecture in collaboration with relevant security agencies.

The review includes the strengthening of surveillance systems, enhancement of perimeter security, revision of operational procedures, and improvement of emergency response mechanisms.

He appealed for special Federal Government intervention to deploy an integrated Institute-wide security surveillance system, upgrade lighting infrastructure, reinforce military presence, and establish protective buffer zones around the campus.

“For forty-six years, NIPSS has faithfully discharged its mandate despite numerous challenges. We remain committed to providing strategic policy research, leadership development, and evidence-based recommendations in support of national progress and development,” he added.

Earlier, participants of the Senior Executive Course (SEC) 48, represented by Kabiru Abba and Toyin Sanni, recounted their experiences during the attack and expressed confidence in the renewed security measures being implemented.

They reaffirmed their commitment to completing the programme and delivering high-quality policy recommendations to President Tinubu, while describing the vice president’s visit as a significant source of reassurance and renewed confidence in the government’s commitment to their safety and well-being.