Amanze Chinonye
President Bola Tinubu has directed the immediate and permanent strengthening of security at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, Plateau State, following a deadly armed attack on the institution’s perimeter that left three security personnel two soldiers and one police officer dead.
The directive was conveyed on Friday by Vice President Kashim Shettima during a visit to the institute, where he addressed participants of the Senior Executive Course (SEC) 48 on behalf of the President, Prime Business Africa reports.
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The attack occurred in the early hours of June 16, when armed assailants breached part of the perimeter fence and engaged security operatives stationed at the facility in a sustained gun battle. Security sources said the attackers struck between midnight and 1:00 a.m. under the cover of darkness, opening fire on personnel on duty and triggering a fierce exchange of gunfire.
The attackers were eventually repelled before gaining access to the main facility. Three security personnel two soldiers and one police officer were killed in the confrontation. Authorities later confirmed that the situation was brought under control following reinforcement, and normal activities subsequently resumed at the institute.
Following the incident, President Tinubu ordered a coordinated security response involving the Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS). The directive includes the immediate and permanent reinforcement of security around NIPSS, deployment of additional personnel to strengthen perimeter defence, and enhanced surveillance, access control and emergency response systems.
The Presidency also mandated the development of a comprehensive security action plan within 72 hours, to be submitted to the Office of the Vice President, with weekly monitoring of implementation until full completion. It stressed that the measures are aimed at preventing future breaches of strategic national institutions.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, conveying the President’s directive, described the attack as a grave but unsuccessful attempt to undermine a critical national institution. He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to safeguarding key national assets and supporting security personnel deployed to protect them.
Shettima extended condolences to the families of the slain officers and the security services, describing the fallen personnel as heroes who paid the ultimate price in the line of duty. He assured that their welfare, along with that of their families, would remain a priority of government.
He further confirmed that the President had ordered the immediate activation of emergency security measures at NIPSS, directing the Director-General of the institute to work closely with security agencies to fortify the facility without delay.
The management of NIPSS described the incident as a serious breach targeting one of Nigeria’s foremost policy and leadership training institutions. While confirming that operations were not disrupted, officials acknowledged existing vulnerabilities linked to the facility’s perimeter structure and the wider security environment.
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The Director-General of NIPSS presented an incident report to the Vice President and appealed for additional security support, including expanded deployment of personnel and the installation of modern surveillance systems such as CCTV cameras around the institute.
Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang commended the swift response of security agencies and expressed solidarity with the Federal Government following the attack. He approved the establishment of a buffer zone around the institute, alongside improved lighting and other security enhancements aimed at strengthening protection of the facility and surrounding communities.
The attack comes amid ongoing security challenges in parts of Plateau State and the wider North-Central region, where armed groups have increasingly targeted rural communities and isolated strategic installations. Authorities say investigations are ongoing to identify those responsible and prevent a recurrence.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
