Days after armed gunmen launched a deadly midnight assault on the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) in Kuru, security agencies have made significant arrests, even as Vice President Kashim Shettima arrived on Friday for a high-level assessment visit.
The attack, which occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, left three security personnel dead and sent shockwaves through the nation, raising serious concerns about the safety of one of Nigeria’s most important policy and leadership training institutions.
How the Attack Was Repelled
According to the Director-General of NIPSS, Professor Ayo Omotayo, intelligence reports had already flagged the possibility of an attack. This early warning enabled security operatives to respond with speed and coordination when the gunmen struck.
In the fierce exchange of fire that followed, troops and police personnel on duty at the staff quarters engaged the assailants, preventing them from penetrating deeper into the institute. The prompt action limited the scale of the assault, though it tragically claimed the lives of two soldiers and one police officer.
Professor Omotayo confirmed the arrests while receiving the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of the North Central Zone, Mohammed Bala Ishaq, during a security assessment visit. He stated that investigations are ongoing and pledged that all individuals connected to the attack would be identified and brought to justice.
Intelligence-Led Arrests
Security sources say the arrests were made possible through rapid intelligence gathering and tracking in the immediate aftermath of the attack. Operatives from the Nigeria Police Force, in collaboration with military and other agencies, followed leads from the scene and surrounding communities. Several suspects have already been detained and are being questioned.
The Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Bala Ishaq, assured staff and participants of the Senior Executive Course 48, 2026, of adequate protection. He emphasised that security deployments within and around the institute have been strengthened to prevent any recurrence.
Shettima’s High-Level Visit
Vice President Kashim Shettima’s visit on Friday is seen as a strong demonstration of the Federal Government’s commitment to the safety of critical national institutions. Accompanied by Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang and other senior officials, Shettima was received by Professor Omotayo and the NIPSS management team.
During the visit, the Vice President is expected to commiserate with the bereaved families, interact with staff and participants, and assess the current security situation firsthand. The move is part of broader efforts to reassure the NIPSS community and reinforce security around strategic national assets.
Authorities say efforts are ongoing to stabilise the area and ensure that such attacks do not happen again. The NIPSS attack remains a sobering reminder of the evolving nature of insecurity in the country, even in locations that should be considered highly secured.
Source: Vanguard News
