Gunmen Kill Three Security Operatives in Attack on NIPSS Kuru

Suspected gunmen attacked the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies in Kuru, near Jos, Plateau State, late Monday night, killing three security operatives in one of the most serious breaches recorded at Nigeria’s foremost policy institution.

The attackers stormed the facility at about 11:40 p.m. and opened fire on officers stationed at the main gate. Security personnel engaged the assailants in a fierce gun battle that lasted several minutes and prevented the attackers from breaching the institution. The Plateau State Police Command confirmed three security personnel died, including two soldiers and a police officer.

Institute Cautions Against Speculation

A staff member who spoke anonymously told reporters the gunfire caused panic inside the facility. ‘I was sleeping when I heard gunshots,’ the staff member said, adding that operatives forced the gunmen to retreat. Resident Bulus Haruna said nearby communities were thrown into panic by sustained gunfire.

NIPSS, established in 1979, trains senior public officers, military officers, and policymakers. In an official statement, the institute confirmed the security incident but said there was no threat to participants, staff, or facilities, and that normal activities continued as scheduled.

Police spokesperson SP Alfred Alabo said the Commissioner of Police, CP Bassey Ewah, ordered reinforcements and intensified patrols around the area. ‘The situation is under control and normal activities have resumed,’ the command said, adding that investigations were ongoing.

Concerns Grow Over Strategic Institution Security

Security analysts said the attack raises fresh concerns about protection for strategic national institutions, given NIPSS hosts senior officials and policymakers. NIPSS urged the public to rely only on official communications, warning it would be premature to speculate on the nature or scope of the incident while investigations continue. The attack adds to a string of recent security breaches across Plateau and neighbouring states.