Suspected gunmen on Monday night attacked the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) in Kuru, near Jos, Plateau State.
The attackers reportedly stormed the institute at about 11:00 p.m. on June 15 and attempted to breach the facility’s perimeter to gain access to the residential quarters where course participants were lodged.
Security personnel, however, prevented the intruders from reaching the participants’ wing.
According to reports, a police officer attached to a retired Deputy Inspector-General of Police, and two soldiers were killed during the exchange of gunfire.
The institute’s Head of Public Affairs, Dr. Osime Samuel, confirmed the incident but said the situation had been brought under control.
Samuel failed to confirm or deny casualties in the attack.
“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 said.
NIPSS urged the public to avoid speculation on the incident, noting that it would be premature to comment on the nature, scope or outcome of the attack. The institute advised the media and the public to rely only on official information from relevant authorities.
As of the time of filing this report, security agencies had yet to disclose the motive behind the attack. Security has since been reinforced around the institute, while investigations and manhunt operations are underway.
NIPSS is Nigeria’s foremost policy institution responsible for training senior public officials, military officers and policy strategists from across the country.
