President Bola Tinubu has ordered the immediate and permanent reinforcement of security at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) in Kuru, Plateau State, following a deadly attack on the institute's perimeter that killed two soldiers and a police officer. The directive was conveyed by Vice President Kashim Shettima during a visit to the institute on behalf of the President, according to a statement by Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications in the Office of the Vice President.
Emergency Security Measures Ordered
President Tinubu directed the activation of emergency security measures and instructed NIPSS management to collaborate closely with the Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police Force, and the State Security Services (SSS) to strengthen security around the institution. “His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has directed that emergency security measures be activated at once, with the DG to coordinate with the Armed Forces, the Police, and the DSS to fortify the perimeter without delay,” Mr Shettima said.
72-Hour Deadline for Security Plan
Shettima added that a comprehensive security reinforcement plan covering surveillance, personnel deployment, access control, and emergency response systems must be submitted to the Office of the Vice President within 72 hours. “On the President’s order, a comprehensive action plan and timeline for permanent reinforcement, covering surveillance, personnel, access control, and emergency systems, must be submitted to the Office of the Vice President within seventy-two hours. Weekly progress reports will follow until full completion. No future attack must find us unprepared,” he stated.
Condolences and Welfare Assurance
The Vice President also conveyed the federal government’s condolences to the families of the slain security personnel, assuring them that their welfare would be taken care of. “The sacrifice of those three brave men will not be in vain. Their children will be our children. Their welfare will be our responsibility,” he said.
Details of the Attack
Gunmen attacked the institute in Kuru, Jos South Local Government Area, late on 15 June, triggering a gun battle between the assailants and security personnel guarding the institute. No group has claimed responsibility. A staff member said the attackers opened fire on security operatives at the gate at about 11:40 p.m., but reinforcements later repelled the assault. NIPSS confirmed the incident in a statement by its Head of Public Affairs, Osime Samuel, noting that security agencies had brought the situation under control and commenced investigations.
Rising Insecurity in Plateau State
The attack comes amid renewed insecurity in Plateau State. On 15 June, eight persons were killed and more than 10 injured when gunmen attacked Gwon-Ajang village in Foron District of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area during a birthday celebration. On 11 June, the Berom Youth Moulders Association reported the killing of two residents in Ta-Hoss community of Riyom Local Government Area, and another resident was killed the following day in Bangai. On 8 June, at least seven persons, including a police inspector, were killed in an attack in Barkin Ladi. On 6 June, 12 residents, including pregnant women and children, were killed in a midnight attack on Ngbra-Zongo community in Bassa Local Government Area.
State Government Response
Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang thanked the federal government for its support and approved requests for additional security measures around the institute. He also approved the creation of a buffer zone around NIPSS and the installation of security lights to improve surveillance.
NIPSS Director-General's Appeal
NIPSS Director-General Ayo Omotayo described the attack as a reminder of the vulnerability of critical national institutions and appealed for more security personnel and surveillance infrastructure, including closed-circuit television cameras. The institute hosts senior government officials, military officers, academics, and policymakers undergoing strategic leadership training and is regarded as Nigeria’s foremost policy and research institution.
