Two people are dead after gunmen attacked Nigeria's foremost policy school, the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), in Kuru, near Jos, Plateau State.

A police officer and a soldier were killed in the attack, which happened late Monday night. The gunmen opened fire on security personnel at the gate around 11:40 p.m.

Security forces fought back and stopped the attackers from entering the main campus. The gunmen fled after the exchange.

A staff member who spoke on condition of anonymity told PREMIUM TIMES: "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 added: "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."

NIPSS confirmed the attack in a statement on Tuesday, signed by Head of Public Affairs Osime Samuel. The institute said the situation was brought under control and there's no threat to participants, staff, or residents. Normal activities continue.

But the statement didn't mention any casualties. The staff member confirmed two deaths.

NIPSS isn't just any school. It's the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, where senior government officials — including military officers, police commissioners, and top civil servants — are required to attend leadership courses. An attack on the institute is an attack on a symbol of Nigeria's governance training.

The attack is the latest in a wave of violence in Plateau State. On June 15, troops arrested a dismissed police inspector, Danjuma Yusuf, in Riyom LGA for alleged arms trafficking. The army recovered 167 rounds of ammunition and locally made pistols.

On June 11, three people were killed in separate attacks in Riyom. The Berom Youth Moulders Association said two residents were killed in Ta-Hoss community on June 10, and another was killed at a mining site in Bangai the next day.

On June 8, gunmen attacked Gwon-Ajang village in Barkin Ladi LGA, killing eight people and injuring 10 during a birthday celebration.

In May, at least 12 people — including pregnant women and children — were killed in a midnight attack on Ngbra-Zongo village in Bassa LGA.

Plateau State has seen persistent violence despite security operations. The Plateau State Police Command didn't respond to requests for comment. Calls and texts to Police Public Relations Officer Alfred Alabo weren't answered.

Security agencies have started investigating the NIPSS attack. The institute says it'll provide verified information as it becomes available.