Security operatives at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, Plateau State, on Wednesday night repelled another attempted attack by suspected gunmen, killing one of the assailants during a gun battle.
The incident reportedly occurred at about 11 p.m. when the attackers allegedly attempted to breach the institute’s security perimeter. However, they were met with stiff resistance from security personnel stationed at the facility.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the Head of Public Affairs of NIPSS, Dr. Osime Samuel, said the attackers engaged security operatives in a fierce exchange of gunfire before they were forced to retreat.
According to the institute, one of the suspected attackers was neutralised during the operation, while several others escaped with varying degrees of injuries.
“The attackers were successfully repelled by security personnel following a swift and coordinated response. One of the assailants was neutralised, while others fled with suspected gunshot wounds,” the statement said.
NIPSS said the attackers failed to gain access to the institute, adding that all participants of the Senior Executive Course, staff, residents and facilities remained safe.
“The security perimeter of the Institute was not breached. All participants, staff, residents and facilities are safe and secure,” the statement added.
The institute disclosed that security agencies had intensified efforts to apprehend the fleeing suspects, while surveillance and other proactive security measures had been strengthened within and around the institution.
Reassuring participants, their families and the general public, NIPSS said the protection of lives and property remained its top priority.
The institute also commended the professionalism and prompt response of security personnel, urging members of the public to disregard unverified information capable of creating unnecessary panic.
The latest incident comes just weeks after suspected gunmen launched a similar attack on the nation’s premier policy institute, an assault that was also repelled by security forces but claimed the lives of security personnel defending the facility.
