The Federal Government and the Plateau State Government have pledged to strengthen security at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, following the recent terrorist attack that claimed the lives of three security personnel.
The commitment was reaffirmed on Friday when Vice President Kashim Shettima visited the institute on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to sympathize with the management, staff, course participants, and families of the fallen officers.
During the visit, Vice President Shettima described the slain security personnel as national heroes who paid the ultimate price while defending one of Nigeria’s most important institutions for leadership training and policy development.
He assured the NIPSS community that the Federal Government had already activated emergency security measures to protect the institute and other critical national assets across the country.
Addressing participants and staff, Shettima commended their bravery during the attack and said their conduct reflected the leadership values expected of individuals entrusted with shaping the nation’s future.
“While criminal elements may attack physical structures, they cannot destroy the mission of NIPSS, which has remained a beacon of strategic thinking and nation-building for nearly five decades,” he said.
The Vice President further disclosed that President Tinubu had ordered the immediate reinforcement of security around the institute and directed that a comprehensive security enhancement plan be submitted within 72 hours for implementation.
“The Federal Government remains committed to the safety and welfare of all personnel serving our nation. The families of the fallen officers will continue to receive the support they deserve,” Shettima stated.
As part of immediate interventions, the Vice President donated 50 solar-powered lighting units to improve visibility and security around participants’ residences and other vulnerable locations within the institute.
Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, also praised the courage displayed by security personnel and participants during the attack. He reaffirmed the state’s commitment to protecting NIPSS and other federal institutions located within the Kuru-Vom axis.
According to the governor, the state government will continue to support security efforts through improved lighting, logistics assistance, and stronger collaboration with security agencies.
In his remarks, the Director-General of NIPSS, Professor Ayo Omotayo, expressed appreciation to President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima for their swift response and solidarity with the institute.
“This visit demonstrates the Federal Government’s commitment to the safety of personnel dedicated to national service and strategic leadership development,” Omotayo said.
He revealed that the institute had already commenced a comprehensive review of its security architecture, including the deployment of enhanced surveillance systems, stronger perimeter protection, revised operational procedures, and improved emergency response mechanisms.
Despite the attack, the Director-General reaffirmed NIPSS’ commitment to its mandate of providing policy research, leadership development, and evidence-based recommendations for national growth.
Participants of the Senior Executive Course (SEC) 48 also expressed confidence in the renewed security arrangements, pledging to complete their programme and continue contributing policy ideas aimed at advancing national development.
