JUST IN: 2 SOLDIERS, 1 POLICEMAN KILLED AS GUNMEN ATTACK NIPSS IN KURU

JUST IN: 2 SOLDIERS, 1 POLICEMAN KILLED AS GUNMEN ATTACK NIPSS IN KURU

Report says suspected gunmen on Monday night launched a deadly attack on 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.

According to sources, 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 attackers in a fierce gun battle to prevent them from gaining access to the institution.

According to the staff member, three security personnel lost their lives during the attack, including two soldiers and one police officer attached to the institute’s security detail.

“The gunmen came between 12 midnight and 1 a.m. They broke part of the institute’s fence and shot at the security personnel on duty. Two soldiers and one policeman were killed before the attackers escaped,” the source said.

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.

A resident of Kuru in Jos South Local Government Area told Vanguard that residents of surrounding communities were thrown into panic following the sound of sustained gunfire that lasted several minutes.

As of the time of filing this report, the Plateau State Police Command has not commented on the attack, as all efforts to get a response have proved abortive.

In a statement signed by the Head of Public Affairs Department, Dr. Osime Samuel, the institute said the situation was quickly brought under control through the intervention of security personnel and relevant agencies.

“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,” he said. 

NIPSS noted that investigations were ongoing and said it would be premature to speculate on the nature or outcome of the incident.

The institute added that it is working closely with relevant security agencies and will provide verified information as investigations progress.

Dr. Osime also commended the security personnel involved in containing the incident and reaffirmed its commitment to the safety of participants, staff and residents.