Gunmen Kill Two Soldiers, Police Officer in Plateau Midnight Raid

Plateau State Police Command, Alabo Alfred

Gunmen Kill Two Soldiers, Police Officer in Plateau Midnight Raid

Suspected gunmen attacked the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) in Kuru, near Jos, Plateau State, on Monday night, killing three security operatives in an attempt to breach the nation’s premier policy institution. The assault began around 11:40 p.m. on June 15, when armed men stormed the facility and opened fire on security personnel stationed at the gate. This triggered a fierce exchange of gunfire as security operatives mounted swift resistance to prevent the attackers from gaining deeper access to the premises.

The attack resulted in the deaths of three security personnel, including two soldiers attached to the institute’s security detail and one police officer serving as an orderly to a retired Deputy Inspector-General of Police. According to sources, the slain police officer was assigned to a retired DIG, while the two soldiers died during the exchange of fire that followed the attempted breach. A staff member of the institute, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that security operatives engaged the assailants in a fierce confrontation to prevent them from gaining access to the institution. The swift response of security forces prevented the gunmen from penetrating deeper into the facility or reaching the residential quarters where course participants were lodged. One resident recounted, “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 attack caused widespread panic in Kuru and surrounding communities in Jos South Local Government Area. Bulus Haruna, a resident of Kuru, told reporters that the sustained gunfire shattered the night’s silence and threw residents of Kuru, Vom—home to the National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI)—and other communities into apprehension, as heavy shooting echoed for several minutes and left many fearing for their safety.

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The NIPSS management confirmed the security incident in a statement issued early Tuesday by the Head of Public Affairs Department, Dr. Osime Samuel. In the statement, the institute informed the public that a security incident had occurred in the vicinity of the Institute in the early hours of the day, but noted that the situation was promptly brought under control through the swift response of security personnel and relevant security agencies. The institute assured the public that there is no threat to the safety of participants, staff, residents, or facilities, and that normal activities are continuing as scheduled. However, the institute cautioned against speculation, stating it would be “premature to speculate on the nature, scope, or outcome of the event” and that it is “unable to confirm details currently circulating on social media and other unofficial platforms.”

Security agencies have commenced investigations to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident. The Plateau State Police Command spokesperson, SP Alfred Alabo, confirmed the attack and stated that an investigation has been launched. Security presence around the institution has been significantly reinforced, and manhunt operations are underway to identify and apprehend those responsible. As of press time, the motive behind the attack remained unclear.

NIPSS Kuru is Nigeria’s foremost policy institution responsible for training senior government officials, military officers, technocrats, and policy strategists drawn from across the country. The institute plays a critical role in shaping public policy and governance frameworks in Nigeria, making it a significant national asset. The attack on such a high-profile institution has raised concerns about security around strategic government facilities in Plateau State and the broader North-Central region.