President Bola Tinubu has ordered permanent security reinforcements at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) in Kuru, Plateau State, after gunmen attacked the facility on June 15, killing two soldiers and a police officer.
Vice President Kashim Shettima delivered the directive during a visit to the institute on Friday, June 19. He said Tinubu had ordered emergency security measures to be activated immediately, and that NIPSS management must work with the military, police, and State Security Service (SSS) to fortify the perimeter.
"No future attack must find us unprepared," Shettima said.
The vice president also said the federal government would take responsibility for the families of the fallen security personnel.
"The sacrifice of those three brave men will not be in vain. Their children will be our children. Their welfare will be our responsibility," he said.
Shettima gave NIPSS Director-General Ayo Omotayo 72 hours to submit a comprehensive security plan covering surveillance, personnel deployment, access control, and emergency response systems. Weekly progress reports will follow until the work is complete.
The attack and its context
The attack happened around 11:40 p.m. on June 15, when gunmen opened fire on security operatives at NIPSS's main gate. Reinforcements arrived later and repelled the assault, but not before three security personnel were killed.
NIPSS confirmed the incident in a statement by its Head of Public Affairs, Osime Samuel, saying security agencies had taken control and started investigations.
The institute is Nigeria's foremost policy and research institution, hosting senior government officials, military officers, academics, and policymakers for strategic leadership training. Its location in Kuru, Jos South Local Government Area, has seen rising insecurity in recent weeks.
The attack on NIPSS came amid a wave of violence across Plateau State. On the same day, eight people were killed and over 10 injured when gunmen attacked a birthday celebration in Gwon-Ajang village, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area.
Days earlier, on June 11, the Berom Youth Moulders Association reported the killing of two residents in Ta-Hoss community, Riyom Local Government Area. Another resident was killed the following day in Bangai.
On June 8, at least seven people — including a police inspector — were killed during an attack in Barkin Ladi. And on June 6, 12 residents, including pregnant women and children, were killed in a midnight attack on Ngbra-Zongo community in Bassa Local Government Area.
State and federal response
Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang thanked the federal government for its support and approved additional security measures around NIPSS. He also approved the creation of a buffer zone around the institute and the installation of security lights to improve surveillance.
NIPSS Director-General Ayo Omotayo described the attack as a reminder of the vulnerability of critical national institutions. He appealed for more security personnel and surveillance infrastructure, including closed-circuit television cameras.
The federal government's directive marks the first major security response to the attack, with a clear timeline and reporting structure. Whether the reinforcements will be enough to prevent future attacks isn't certain, but the 72-hour deadline and weekly progress reports suggest urgency from the presidency.