Gunmen Att@ck NIPSS in Plateau, K!ll Three Security Operatives in Midnight Assault

Suspected armed attackers on Monday night launched a deadly assault on the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, near Jos, Plateau State, killing three security personnel during an attempt to breach the highly secured institution.

The incident, which occurred late in the night, reportedly triggered intense gunfire and widespread panic in surrounding communities as security operatives battled the assailants to prevent them from gaining access to the nation’s premier policy and leadership training institute.

Attackers Storm Facility Under Cover of Darkness

Sources familiar with the incident disclosed that the gunmen arrived at the institute at approximately 11:40 p.m. and immediately opened fire on security personnel guarding the facility.

The unexpected attack forced security operatives stationed at the institution into a fierce gun battle as they moved to repel the attackers and protect the strategic national asset.

A staff member of the institute, who spoke anonymously because he was not authorised to comment publicly on the matter, confirmed that the assault caught many people off guard.

According to the source, the attackers appeared determined to force their way into the premises but were met with stiff resistance from the security team on duty.

Three Security Personnel Killed

The staff member revealed that three members of the security detail lost their lives during the confrontation.

The casualties reportedly included two soldiers and a police officer who were part of the security architecture protecting the institute.

Despite the losses, security operatives were said to have successfully prevented the attackers from penetrating deeper into the facility.

The source noted that the prompt and coordinated response of security personnel helped avert what could have been a more devastating incident.

“The security team responded immediately and engaged the attackers. Although we lost three brave personnel, they succeeded in stopping the gunmen from advancing further into the institution,” the source said.

Residents Panic as Gunfire Rocks Community

The attack sent shockwaves through nearby communities, with residents reporting prolonged gunfire that shattered the calm of the night.

A resident of Kuru in Jos South Local Government Area, identified as Bulus Haruna, said many people were awakened by the sound of heavy shooting and feared the violence might spread beyond the institute.

According to him, the exchange of gunfire lasted several minutes, causing anxiety among residents who remained indoors until the situation was brought under control.

“There was serious panic in the area. The gunshots were loud and continuous, and many residents became frightened because nobody knew exactly what was happening,” he said.

Motive Remains Unclear

As of the time of reporting, the motive behind the attack had not been established.

Security agencies were said to be assessing the situation and investigating the circumstances surrounding the attempted breach of the institution.

The National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies is regarded as one of Nigeria’s most important policy and leadership development centres, hosting senior government officials, military officers, policymakers, and strategic thinkers from across the country.

The attempted attack on such a critical national institution is expected to raise fresh concerns about security around key government facilities.

Awaiting Official Confirmation

Efforts to obtain official confirmation from the Plateau State Police Command were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report.

Similarly, management of NIPSS had yet to issue a formal statement regarding the incident.

However, security sources indicated that investigations were ongoing and that additional measures may be introduced to strengthen security around the institute following the attack.

The development comes amid continued security challenges in various parts of the country, with authorities intensifying efforts to protect critical infrastructure and public institutions from criminal and insurgent threats.