Tinubu boosts security at NIPSS after deadly attack

President Bola Tinubu has ordered stronger security at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) in Kuru, Plateau State. This comes after a recent attack on the institute's perimeter that killed two soldiers and a police officer.

A statement on Friday from Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications in the Office of the Vice President, shared this directive. Vice President Kashim Shettima delivered the message during a visit to the institute on behalf of President Tinubu.

The president told NIPSS to activate emergency security measures. He instructed the management to work closely with the Armed Forces, Nigeria Police Force, and State Security Services (SSS) to improve security at the institute.

"His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has directed that emergency security measures be activated at once. The DG is to coordinate with the Armed Forces, the Police, and the DSS to secure the perimeter without delay," Mr Shettima stated.

He also mentioned that a detailed security plan must be submitted to the Office of the Vice President within 72 hours. This plan should include surveillance, personnel deployment, access control, and emergency response systems.

"On the President’s order, a detailed action plan and timeline for permanent reinforcement must be submitted within seventy-two hours. Weekly progress reports will follow until full completion. No future attack must catch us unprepared," he said.

The vice president expressed condolences from the federal government to the families of the fallen security personnel. He promised that their welfare would be taken care of.

"The sacrifice of those three brave men will not be in vain. Their children will be our children. Their welfare will be our responsibility," he added.

Earlier, PREMIUM TIMES reported that gunmen attacked the institute in Kuru, Jos South Local Government Area, late on June 15. This led to a shootout between the attackers and security personnel protecting the institute.

No group has taken responsibility for the attack. A staff member said the attackers shot at security operatives at the gate around 11:40 p.m. Reinforcements later arrived and drove off the assailants.

NIPSS confirmed the attack in a statement from its Head of Public Affairs Department, Osime Samuel. He said security agencies have managed the situation and started investigations.

The attack happened amid rising insecurity in Plateau State. On June 15, PREMIUM TIMES reported that eight people died and more than ten were injured when gunmen attacked Gwon-Ajang village in Foron District during a birthday celebration.

Days before this, on June 11, the Berom Youth Moulders Association (BYM) reported that two residents were killed in Ta-Hoss community of Riyom Local Government Area. Another resident was killed the next day in Bangai.

Earlier, on June 8, at least seven people, including a police inspector, were killed in an attack in Barkin Ladi. On June 6, 12 residents, including pregnant women and children, were killed in a midnight attack on Ngbra-Zongo community in Bassa Local Government Area.

During the visit, Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang thanked the federal government for its support after the attack. He approved requests for extra security measures around the institute.

The governor also agreed to create a buffer zone around NIPSS and install security lights to boost surveillance in the area.

NIPSS Director-General, Ayo Omotayo, called the attack a wake-up call about the vulnerability of key national institutions. He asked for more security personnel and surveillance tools, such as closed-circuit television cameras.

The institute is home to senior government officials, military officers, academics, and policymakers who are receiving strategic leadership training. It is seen as Nigeria’s top policy and research institution.