Gunmen on Monday night attacked the staff quarters of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) in Kuru, Plateau State, killing two soldiers and a police officer during a fierce exchange of gunfire.
The incident occurred in the early hours of Tuesday at the institute, Nigeria’s foremost policy and leadership training centre for senior government officials, military officers, and public sector executives.
According to reports, the attackers may have been targeting two senior officials of the institute. Sources disclosed that the Acting Director of Studies, Barrister Nima Salman-Mann, and a Directing Staff member, Professor Haruna Dabin, had earlier received handwritten ransom demands pasted on their doors.
The notes reportedly demanded $100,000 from one official and N15 million from the other. The threats were said to have been reported to the institute’s management before the attack took place.
Security personnel stationed at the staff quarters confronted the gunmen, leading to a gun battle during which two soldiers and one police officer lost their lives. The remains of the slain operatives have been deposited in a mortuary.
Confirming the incident, Dr. Osime Samuel, Head of Public Affairs at NIPSS, said security forces responded swiftly and brought the situation under control.
He assured that there was no threat to participants, staff members, residents, or facilities within the institute, adding that normal activities were continuing uninterrupted.
Security sources believe the attackers may have intended to abduct the targeted officials but were forced to retreat after encountering strong resistance from security operatives.
Investigations are ongoing to determine the identity and motive of the attackers, as authorities work to establish whether the incident was linked to kidnapping, banditry, or other criminal activities.
The attack has raised fresh concerns about the security of critical national institutions, particularly amid persistent insecurity in parts of the North-Central region.
NIPSS management has urged members of the public to rely on official information regarding the incident while security agencies intensify efforts to apprehend those responsible.
