Gunmen Attack NIPSS Facility In Plateau, Security Agencies Launch Probe

Gunmen Attack NIPSS Facility In Plateau, Security Agencies Launch Probe
Security personnel repelled the attack and restored normalcy.
Authorities have launched investigations and reinforced security around the institute.

Gunmen attacked the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, near Jos, Plateau State, in the early hours of Tuesday.

The incident was confirmed by the Head of Public Affairs Department of the institute, Dr Osime Samuel, who said the situation had been brought under control following a swift response by security personnel and relevant security agencies.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that in a statement issued on Tuesday, Samuel assured participants, staff and residents that there was no threat to their safety and that normal activities at the institute were continuing as scheduled.

“The National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, wishes to inform the public that a security incident occurred in the vicinity of the Institute in the early hours of today.

“The situation was promptly brought under control through the swift response of security personnel and relevant security agencies. There is currently no threat to the safety of participants, staff, residents, or facilities of the Institute, and normal activities are continuing as scheduled,” the statement read.

Samuel disclosed that security agencies had commenced investigations to determine the circumstances surrounding the attack.

He urged members of the public and the media to avoid speculation, noting that details circulating on social media and other unofficial platforms had not been verified.

“Security agencies have commenced investigations to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident. As investigations are ongoing, it would be premature to speculate on the nature, scope, or outcome of the event. The Institute is therefore unable to confirm details currently circulating on social media and other unofficial platforms,” he stated.

The institute said it was working closely with relevant authorities and would provide verified information as soon as it becomes available.

“NIPSS is working closely with the appropriate authorities and will provide verified information as soon as it becomes available. We urge members of the public and the media to rely on official communications from the Institute and relevant security agencies,” the statement added.

The management of NIPSS also commended the professionalism of the security personnel involved in responding to the incident.

While reacting to reports that some security operatives were killed during the attack, Samuel said such claims remained unconfirmed.

However, reports from unofficial sources alleged that a police officer attached to a retired Deputy Inspector General of Police and two soldiers lost their lives during an exchange of gunfire with the attackers.

Gunmen Attack NIPSS Facility In Plateau, Security Agencies Launch Probe

NIPSS, regarded as Nigeria’s foremost policy institution, is responsible for training senior public officials, military officers and policy strategists from across the country.

As of the time of filing this report, security had been reinforced around the institute, while investigations and manhunt operations were ongoing.