Just in: Gunmen attack NIPSS again, one killed

By Golok Nanmwa

Security operatives at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, Plateau State, on Wednesday night repelled another attempt by suspected armed assailants to breach the Institute’s security perimeter, killing one of the attackers during a gun battle.

Our correspondent gathered that the gunmen attempted to gain access to the institution at around 11pm but were repelled by security operatives.

The Institute, in a statement issued on Thursday by its Head of Public Affairs, Dr. Osime Samuel, said the attackers engaged security personnel in a fierce exchange of gunfire but were forced to retreat following what it described as a swift and coordinated response by security forces.

According to the statement, one of the assailants was neutralised during the encounter, while several others reportedly escaped with varying degrees of injuries.

NIPSS, however, said the attackers failed to penetrate the Institute’s security perimeter, stressing that all participants of the Senior Executive Course, staff, residents and facilities remained safe.

The Institute added that security agencies had intensified efforts to track down and arrest the fleeing suspects, while surveillance and other proactive security measures had been reinforced within and around the institution.

Reassuring participants, staff, their families and members of the public, NIPSS said the security of lives and property remained its highest priority.

The Institute also commended the prompt response and professionalism of the security agencies and urged the public to disregard misinformation capable of causing unnecessary panic.

The latest incident came barely weeks after gunmen attacked the Institute in an attempt to gain access to the premises.