Gunmen Storm NIPSS, Leaving Three Security Personnel Killed

By Ayodele Oni

National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, (NIPSS), Kuru, Plateau  State, came under gunfire Monday night, as attackers tried to breach Nigeria’s foremost policy school near Jos.

Two soldiers and one police officer were reportedly killed before security forces repelled the assault. The attack began around 11:00 p.m.

Report revealed that armed men attempted to force their way into the institute and reached the residential quarters where course participants were lodged.

Sources said the slain police officer was the orderly attached to a retired Deputy Inspector-General of Police. The two soldiers died in the exchange of fire that followed.

But the attackers were stopped. Security operatives stationed at NIPSS mounted swift resistance and blocked access to the participants’ wing.

“No participant was abducted because the security forces successfully repelled the attackers before they could enter the residential area,” a source familiar with the incident was quoted to have said.

In a press release issued  Tuesday, June 16, the institute confirmed a “security incident occurred in the vicinity of the Institute in the early hours of today.”

Management said the situation was “promptly brought under control through the swift response of security personnel and relevant security agencies.

“There is currently no threat to the safety of participants, staff, residents, or facilities of the Institute, and normal activities are continuing as scheduled,” said Dr. Osime Samuel, Head of Public Affairs.

The institute stressed that investigations are ongoing and it would be “premature to speculate on the nature, scope, or outcome of the event.”

NIPSS said it could not confirm details circulating on social media.

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

As of press time, authorities has not released an official statement on the motive behind the attack.

Security has reportedly been reinforced around the institute as investigations and manhunt operations commenced.