President Bola Tinubu has directed the immediate and sustained reinforcement of security at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, Plateau State. The directive follows a recent attack on the institution’s perimeter, which tragically claimed the lives of two soldiers and a police officer.
The directive was conveyed on Friday by Vice President Kashim Shettima during a visit to the institute, where he addressed participants of the Senior Executive Course (SEC) 48 on behalf of the President.
According to the Vice President, the attack has strengthened the Federal Government’s resolve to protect critical national institutions, support security personnel and ensure that similar incidents do not occur in the future.
Expressing the condolences of the Federal Government, Shettima sympathised with the families of the fallen security personnel and assured them of government support.
“I come to you with a heavy heart and a firm spirit. A banditry attack on the perimeter of NIPSS claimed the lives of two gallant soldiers and one courageous policeman. To their families, to the Nigerian Armed Forces, and to the Nigeria Police Force, I extend, on behalf of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and the entire Federal Government, our deepest condolences.
“We mourn with you. We share your pain. And we honour their sacrifice,” he was quoted as saying.
The Vice President announced that President Tinubu had ordered the activation of emergency security measures at the institute, directing the Director-General of NIPSS to work closely with the Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS) to strengthen security around the facility.
“His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has directed that emergency security measures be activated at once, with the DG to coordinate with the Armed Forces, the Police, and the DSS to fortify the perimeter without delay.
“On the President’s order, a comprehensive action plan and timeline for permanent reinforcement, covering surveillance, personnel, access control, and emergency systems, must be submitted to the Office of the Vice President within seventy-two hours. Weekly progress reports will follow until full completion. No future attack must find us unprepared,” he added.
Shettima described NIPSS as Nigeria’s strategic intellectual nerve centre and a vital national asset whose protection must remain a top national security priority.
He noted that although the attackers intended to create fear and disrupt the training of future leaders, the incident instead demonstrated the courage, resilience and discipline of participants, management and security personnel at the institute.
Addressing staff and participants, the Vice President assured them that their safety remained a priority for the Federal Government.
“Your safety is non-negotiable. The President has directed the immediate reinforcement of security around NIPSS and all strategic institutions. The sacrifice of those three brave men will not be in vain. Their children will be our children. Their welfare will be our responsibility,” he said.
He further stressed that those responsible for the attack would not succeed in undermining the purpose and mission of the institute.
Commending the participants of SEC 48 for their conduct during the incident, Shettima said they had demonstrated qualities befitting future national leaders.
“When darkness came to the gates of this Institute, it expected to find people who would scatter into the night. It found instead men and women who stood their ground.
“You did not flee. You did not abandon your colleagues. You faced the worst that cruelty could send, and you answered it with composure, with courage, and with the steady discipline of people who understand exactly why they were summoned to this place,” he noted.
The Vice President also praised the Director-General of NIPSS, Ayo Omotayo, for his leadership and swift coordination with security agencies, which ensured the prompt deployment of reinforcements and the safety of participants and staff.
He similarly commended the Director of Studies, Barrister Nima Salman Mann, for maintaining order and coordinating the safety of staff and participants during the crisis.
Earlier, Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang expressed appreciation to the Federal Government for its support and the Vice President’s visit, describing it as a demonstration of empathy and solidarity following the attack.
The governor approved NIPSS management’s request for the establishment of a buffer zone around the institution, as well as the installation of security lights and other measures to enhance security in the area.
He also paid tribute to the fallen security personnel and praised the bravery of staff and course participants who helped repel the attackers and prevent further incursion into the institute.
In his remarks, the Director-General of NIPSS, Omotayo, presented an incident report to the Vice President and appealed for additional security support, including the deployment of more personnel and the installation of surveillance infrastructure such as CCTV cameras around the institution.
He noted that the attack underscored the vulnerability of critical government institutions across the country and highlighted the need for improved security measures.
