Suspected gunmen on Monday night attacked the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, NIPSS, Kuru, near Jos, Plateau State, killing three security operatives in an attempt to breach the nation’s foremost policy institution.
Sources said the attackers stormed the institute at about 11:40 p.m. and opened fire, triggering an exchange of gunfire with security personnel stationed at the facility.
A staff member of the institute, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed the incident and said the attackers launched the assault unexpectedly.
According to the source, security operatives engaged the assailants in a fierce confrontation to prevent them from gaining access to the institution.
The staff member disclosed that three security personnel lost their lives during the attack, including two soldiers and one police officer attached to the institute’s security detail.
He added that the swift response of security forces prevented the gunmen from penetrating deeper into the facility and causing further damage.
The source, however, said the motive behind the attack remained unclear as of the time of filing this report.
Also speaking, Bulus Haruna, a resident of Kuru in Jos South Local Government Area, told our correspondent that residents of surrounding communities were thrown into panic following the sound of sustained gunfire that lasted several minutes.
Meanwhile, the NIPSS has confirmed the incident, assuring that it has been brought under control.
In a statement signed by the Head, Public Affairs Department, Dr Osime Samuel, the institute said there is currently no threat to participants, staff, residents and facilities, adding that normal activities are continuing as scheduled.
According to the statement, security personnel and relevant security agencies responded swiftly to contain the situation.
“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.
NIPSS said security agencies have commenced investigations to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident and cautioned against speculation.
“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,” it stated.
The institute added that it is working closely with the appropriate authorities and would provide verified information as soon as it becomes available.
The management also reaffirmed its commitment to the safety and security of members of the institute community and commended the professionalism of security personnel involved in the response.
