Gunmen Attack NIPSS Kuru, Kill Two Soldiers and One Policeman
Suspected gunmen launched an attack on the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) in Kuru, near Jos, Plateau State, on Monday night, killing three security operatives in what appears to be a targeted assault on the country’s foremost policy institution.
The attackers stormed the facility around 11:40 p.m., opening fire and triggering an exchange of gunfire with security personnel stationed at the institute. Sources say the assailants were attempting to breach the perimeter and access the residential quarters where course participants and senior officials reside.
A staff member of the institute, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed that two soldiers and one police officer lost their lives during the confrontation . The police officer was reportedly attached to a retired Deputy Inspector-General of Police .
Security operatives engaged the attackers in a fierce gun battle, successfully preventing them from penetrating deeper into the facility . The swift response of other security forces in the area stopped the assailants from reaching the participants’ accommodation wing .
Investigations have revealed that the attack may have been directed at specific individuals. Sources disclosed that handwritten threat notes were pasted on the doors of the Acting Director of Studies, Barrister Nima Salman-Mann, and a Directing Staff member, Professor Haruna Dabin, on Saturday . The notes demanded payments of $100,000 and N15 million respectively. The matter was reportedly brought to the attention of the institute’s management.
“During the day, local vigilantes monitor the staff quarters, while soldiers and police personnel are deployed at night. It is believed that the attackers came after the staff members they had earlier threatened with ransom demands,” a source familiar with the incident told Daily Trust .
The attack sent shockwaves through surrounding communities. A resident of Kuru, Bulus Haruna, told newsmen that the sound of sustained gunfire threw residents of Kuru, Vom, and nearby areas into fear .
Barrister Benjamin Davou, a resident, expressed concern about the implications of the attack. “I wondered what would be the fate of civilians if security agents and institutions were not spared from terrorist attacks,” he said .
Another community leader, Auwal Hudu, described the incident as “unfortunate and scary.” He added, “If an institution like NIPSS could be attacked, it raises more questions than answers, as anyone could then be vulnerable” .
The Plateau State Police Command confirmed the incident through its spokesperson, SP Alfred Alabo. “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,” the statement read . “Regrettably, three security personnel lost their lives during the incident.”
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The police said Commissioner Bassey Ewah had ordered the deployment of security reinforcements and intensified patrols in the area . “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,” Alabo added .
NIPSS management also released a statement through the Head of Public Affairs, Dr Osime Samuel, confirming that a “security incident” occurred in the vicinity of the institute in the early hours of Tuesday . The institute assured that the situation was promptly brought under control and that there was no threat to participants, staff, residents, or facilities .
“Security agencies have commenced investigations to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident. As investigations are ongoing, it would be premature to speculate on the nature, scope, or outcome of the event,” the statement said . The institute urged the public and media to rely on official communications and avoid spreading unverified information circulating on social media .
Security analyst and Chairman of the Police Community Relations Committee in Plateau State, Abdullahi Aliyu Bako, blamed the attack on what he described as intelligence failures. “The truth is that the security system in this country is totally bad,” he said. “In any organization or country, they don’t play with security information. But here in Nigeria, when you give a report that something is going to happen, you will not be taken seriously” .
Bako urged the government to strengthen security around sensitive institutions like NIPSS. “Being a sensitive area, no one should pass or go into the institution without capturing their picture or video. Let there be sensitive technology around the institute,” he added.
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The National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, established in 1979, is Nigeria’s top policy institute that conducts research on security, economy, politics, and social issues . It trains senior military officers, civil servants, and private sector leaders on leadership and various disciplines. Since its inception, over 1,784 participants have graduated from the institute’s annual Senior Executive Course .
The attack on NIPSS follows a pattern of deadly raids on public institutions across the country. In May, at least 17 police officers and several soldiers were killed after suspected members of the Islamic State West Africa Province attacked the Nigerian Army Special Forces School in Buni Yadi, Yobe State .
Investigations are ongoing, and security agencies have intensified efforts to track down the perpetrators. The General Officer Commanding 3 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Folusho Oyinlola, visited the scene of the attack on Tuesday . The bodies of the slain security personnel have been deposited at a mortuary.
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