Gunmen late Monday night attacked the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, near Jos in Plateau State, killing three security operatives, including a policeman, in one of the most serious security breaches at the institution in recent years.
The assailants reportedly stormed the facility at about 11:40 p.m., opening fire on security personnel stationed at the institute’s gate. The attack triggered a fierce exchange of gunfire between the attackers and security operatives guarding the nation’s premier policy training institution.
A staff member of NIPSS, who spoke on condition of anonymity, recounted the terrifying incident on Tuesday.
“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 commotion within the NIPSS. It turned out that the institution was under attack,” the source said.
According to the staff member, security personnel mounted a strong resistance that prevented the gunmen from gaining access to the facility.
“Thank God security was reinforced, and the attackers fled. But they succeeded in killing two persons at the gate before they ran away. A soldier and a policeman were the victims. It’s very unfortunate,” he said.
The source added that the swift intervention of security forces prevented further casualties and damage within the institute.
Residents of nearby communities were thrown into panic as the sound of sustained gunfire echoed through the area.
A resident of Kuru in Jos South Local Government Area, Bulus Haruna, said the gunfire lasted several minutes, creating fear among residents.
“The sound of the shooting caused panic in the surrounding communities. Many people stayed indoors until the situation was brought under control,” he said.
The motive behind the attack remained unclear as of press time.
Efforts to obtain immediate confirmation from the Plateau State Police Command and NIPSS authorities were initially unsuccessful. However, the institute later confirmed that a security incident had occurred in the vicinity of its premises.
In a statement signed by the Head of Public Affairs Department, Osime Samuel, NIPSS said the situation had been swiftly contained.
“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,” the statement read.
The institute disclosed that investigations had commenced to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident and cautioned against speculation.
“As investigations are ongoing, it would be premature to speculate on the nature, scope, or outcome of the event. The Institute is therefore unable to confirm details currently circulating on social media and other unofficial platforms,” the statement added.
NIPSS further assured the public that it was working closely with relevant security agencies and would provide verified information as soon as it becomes available.
Meanwhile, the Plateau State Police Command formally confirmed the attack and the deaths of three security operatives.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Alfred Alabo, the command expressed sadness over the incident.
“The Plateau State Police Command, on a very sad note, wishes to confirm the incident that occurred in the early hours of today, 16th June 2026, involving security personnel on duty at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, NIPSS, Kuru. Regrettably, three security personnel lost their lives during the incident,” the statement said.
The command announced that additional security personnel had been deployed to the area on the directive of the Commissioner of Police, CP Bassey Ewah.
“Security reinforcements have been deployed, and patrols have been intensified around the general area,” Alabo stated.
Police authorities assured residents that calm had returned to the area and that normal activities had resumed.
“The situation is under control and normal activities have resumed. Investigation is ongoing. The command urges members of the public to remain calm and go about their lawful businesses,” the statement added.
NIPSS Kuru remains Nigeria’s foremost policy and strategic studies institution responsible for training senior public officials and policy leaders. Authorities have pledged to keep the public informed as investigations continue into the deadly attack.
