Gunmen attack NIPSS again, one killed in gun battle

A fresh attempt by suspected armed men to infiltrate the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, Plateau State, was thwarted late on Wednesday after security personnel engaged the attackers in a gun battle that left one of the assailants dead.

The incident reportedly occurred at about 11 pm when the gunmen tried to force their way into the nation’s foremost policy institute. Alert security operatives responded immediately, preventing the attackers from breaching the facility’s security cordon.

Confirming the incident in a statement issued on Thursday, the Institute’s Head of Public Affairs, Dr Osime Samuel, said the assailants were met with “a swift and coordinated response by security forces” after engaging personnel in “a fierce exchange of gunfire”.

According to the statement, one of the attackers was neutralised during the confrontation, while several others escaped from the scene with varying degrees of injuries.

Despite the attack, the Institute stressed that its security architecture remained intact, noting that the gunmen were unable to gain entry into the premises.

It said all participants in the Senior Executive Course, members of staff, residents and the Institute’s facilities were safe and unharmed.

The statement added that security agencies had stepped up efforts to apprehend the fleeing suspects. It also disclosed that surveillance operations and other preventive security measures had been strengthened within and around the institution.

Reaffirming its commitment to safety, the Institute assured participants, employees, their families and the wider public that “the security of lives and property remained its highest priority.”

NIPSS also praised the security agencies for their prompt intervention and professionalism during the operation. It urged members of the public to ignore false reports capable of creating unnecessary fear and panic.

The latest attempted invasion comes only weeks after another attack by gunmen who similarly tried to gain access to the Institute’s premises.