Security operatives have foiled another attempted attack on the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) in Kuru, Plateau State, killing one suspected armed assailant during a late-night gun battle with attackers.
The incident occurred at about 11 p.m. on Wednesday when gunmen reportedly attempted to infiltrate the nation’s foremost policy and strategic research institution but met stiff resistance from security personnel guarding the facility.
In a statement issued on Thursday, NIPSS Head of Public Affairs, Dr. Osime Samuel, said the attackers engaged security operatives in a firefight but were forced to retreat after a swift and coordinated response by the institute’s security team.
According to the statement, one of the suspected attackers was neutralized during the exchange, while the remaining members of the group escaped from the scene.
The institute confirmed that the attackers failed to breach its security perimeter, stressing that all participants in the ongoing Senior Executive Course, staff members, residents and critical infrastructure within the premises remained safe throughout the incident.
“NIPSS wishes to reassure participants, staff, residents and the general public that the security of lives and property within the institute remains our highest priority,” the statement said.
The institute disclosed that security agencies have launched efforts to track down the fleeing suspects while reinforcing surveillance and other protective measures within and around the institution.
NIPSS also commended the professionalism and rapid response of the security personnel who repelled the attack, describing their actions as instrumental in preventing what could have been a major security breach.
The management appealed to members of the public to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information capable of creating unnecessary fear or panic.
The latest incident comes just weeks after another attempted intrusion by armed men at the institute, raising fresh concerns over the security of strategic national institutions in Plateau State despite ongoing efforts by security agencies to combat criminal activities in the region.
