Gunmen in the early hours of Tuesday attacked the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) in Kuru, near Jos, Plateau State.
The attack was confirmed in a statement by the NIPSS Head of Public Affairs Department, Dr Osime Samuel, it was reported.
“Security personnel and relevant security agencies brought the situation under control promptly,” he said, adding that “there is no threat to the safety of the participants, staff, residents or facilities of the Institute and normal activities are continuing as scheduled.”
Reacting to speculations of the death of some security agents during the attack, Samuel said such reports remain unconfirmed and further updates will be made public as soon as verified information is available.
The National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, wishes to inform the general public that there was a security incident in the vicinity of the Institute in the early hours of today.
“The situation was swiftly brought under control by the quick response of the security personnel and relevant security agencies. There is no current threat to the safety of participants, staff, residents or facilities of the Institute and regular activities are proceeding on schedule.
Security agencies have launched investigations to know how the incident happened. It would be premature to speculate on the nature, scope or outcome of the event as investigations are ongoing. Therefore, the Institute is unable to confirm information currently circulating on social media and other unofficial platforms.
“NIPSS is in close contact with the relevant authorities and will share verified information as soon as it is available. We urge the public and media to rely on official communications from the Institute and relevant security agencies.
“The Management of NIPSS remains committed to the safety and security of all members of the Institute community and appreciates the professionalism of the security personnel and agencies involved in the response.
“Further updates will be provided in due course,” the official statement said.
Some reports, however, said a police officer attached to a retired Deputy Inspector-General of Police and two soldiers were killed in the exchange of gunfire during the incident.
NIPSS is Nigeria’s premier policy institution charged with the training of senior public officials, military officers and policy strategists from all parts of the country.
Security has been increased around the institute and investigations and manhunt operations are underway at the time of filing this report.
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