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Institute says participants and staff are safe as security agencies launch investigation
JOS — The National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, near Jos, Plateau State, came under attack on Monday night as armed men reportedly attempted to breach the institute’s premises.
According to reports, two soldiers and a police officer were killed during the incident before security personnel repelled the attackers.
The attack reportedly began at about 11 p.m. on June 15, when the gunmen attempted to gain access to the institute and the residential area housing participants of its ongoing programmes.
Initial reports indicated that the police officer killed in the attack was attached as an orderly to a retired Deputy Inspector-General of Police, while the two soldiers died during an exchange of gunfire with the attackers.
Sources said security operatives stationed at the institute responded swiftly and prevented the attackers from reaching the participants’ residential quarters.
“No participant was abducted because the security forces successfully repelled the attackers before they could enter the residential area,” a source familiar with the incident was quoted as saying.
In a statement issued early Tuesday, the institute confirmed that a security incident occurred in the vicinity of its premises.
The statement, signed by the Head of Public Affairs, Dr Osime Samuel, said the situation was promptly brought under control through the intervention 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.
NIPSS said investigations were ongoing and cautioned against speculation regarding the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The institute also stated that it could not verify details circulating on social media and urged members of the public and the media to rely on official information from the institute and security agencies.
As of the time of filing this report, authorities had not issued an official statement on the motive behind the attack.
Security presence around the institute has reportedly been strengthened, while investigations and efforts to track down those responsible are ongoing.
NIPSS is Nigeria’s foremost policy and strategic studies institution, providing training for senior public officials, military officers and other strategic leaders across the country.
