Gunmen attack NIPSS Kuru, kill two soldiers, police officer

Suspected gunmen on Monday night launched an attack on the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) in Kuru, near Jos, killing two soldiers and a police officer before security forces repelled the assault.

The attack, which began around 11:00 p.m., saw armed men attempt to breach the institute and gain access to the residential quarters housing course participants.

Security sources said the slain police officer was an orderly attached to a retired Deputy Inspector-General of Police, while the two soldiers were killed during the exchange of gunfire that followed.

Despite the intensity of the attack, security operatives stationed at the institute mounted a swift response, successfully preventing the assailants from reaching the participants’ wing.

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

In an official statement issued early Tuesday, NIPSS confirmed that a “security incident” occurred in the vicinity of the institute but assured that the situation had been brought under control.

“The incident was promptly contained through the swift response of security personnel and relevant agencies. There is currently no threat to the safety of participants, staff, residents, or facilities, and normal activities are continuing as scheduled,” said Dr. Osime Samuel, Head of Public Affairs.

The institute added that investigations were ongoing and cautioned against speculation, noting that it could not yet verify details circulating on social media.

Authorities have since reinforced security around the facility, while manhunt operations are underway to apprehend the attackers.

The motive behind the assault remains unclear.

NIPSS, widely regarded as Nigeria’s foremost policy and strategic training institution, hosts senior government officials, military officers, and top-level administrators.

The attack has raised fresh concerns about the reach of insecurity, even within elite national institutions.

Although calm has been restored and all participants remain safe, the incident underscores the growing security challenges across the country, with three security personnel losing their lives in the line of duty.