Security operatives on Wednesday night repelled another attack on the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, Plateau State, killing one suspected assailant during a gun battle.
The latest incident comes less than two weeks after armed men attacked the institute, killing three security operatives.
The attackers were reportedly targeting the residences of the Acting Director of Studies, Barrister Nima Salman-Mann, and a Directing Staff member, Professor Haruna Dabin.
Confirming the development in a statement on Thursday, the institute’s Head of Public Affairs, Dr Osime Samuel, said the attackers attempted to breach the institute’s security perimeter but were repelled by security personnel.
According to him, security operatives engaged the assailants in a fierce exchange of gunfire, forcing them to flee.
“The attackers engaged security operatives in a gun duel but were forced to retreat following the swift and coordinated response of the security forces. One of the assailants was neutralised during the encounter, while others escaped with varying degrees of injuries,” Samuel said.
He added that the attack did not compromise the institute’s security, stressing that participants, staff, residents and facilities remained safe.
“There was no breach of the security perimeter. All participants, staff, residents and institute facilities remain safe and secure,” he stated.
Samuel said security agencies had intensified efforts to track down the fleeing suspects, while surveillance and other proactive security measures had been strengthened within and around the institute.
He reassured participants, staff and the public that the security of lives and property remained the institute’s top priority.
The institute also commended the prompt response of security agencies and urged members of the public to disregard misinformation capable of causing panic.
