Gunmen attack NIPSS in Plateau State, two dead

Two people, including a police officer, have been killed after gunmen attacked the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) in Kuru, near Jos, Plateau State.

The attack happened late Monday night. There was a gunfight between the attackers and security personnel at the institute.

NIPSS is Nigeria's top policy institute. Senior government officials, including military, police, and public service members, must attend leadership courses there.

On Tuesday, the institute released a statement confirming that a security incident took place around its premises early that day.

The statement, signed by Osime Samuel, the Head of Public Affairs Department, said the situation has been controlled.

"The situation was quickly 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 said.

While the institute did not confirm any deaths, a staff member told PREMIUM TIMES that at least two people were killed.

The staff member, who asked to remain anonymous, said the attack started around 11:40 p.m. when armed men fired at security personnel at the gate.

"I was sleeping when I heard gunshots. I didn’t know what to make of it, but when I woke up, I discovered it was real because the gunshots had already caused panic at NIPSS. It turned out that the institution was under attack," the source said.

According to the staff member, security personnel fought back and stopped the attackers from entering the institute.

"Thank God security was reinforced, and the attackers fled. But they managed to kill two people at the gate before running away. A soldier and a policeman were the victims. It’s very unfortunate," the source said.

"The swift response of security forces prevented the gunmen from penetrating deeper into the facility and causing more damage," he added.

NIPSS stated that security agencies have started investigating the incident and asked the public to rely on verified information from official sources.

"NIPSS is working closely with the appropriate authorities and will provide verified information as soon as it becomes available," the statement said.

PREMIUM TIMES reports that this attack is the latest in a series of violent incidents in Plateau State in recent weeks.