Shettima orders security upgrade at NIPSS after gunmen attack

By Funom Josiah, Jos

The Federal Government has directed an immediate review and strengthening of security architecture around the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, Plateau State, and other critical national institutions following a recent gunmen attack on the facility.

Vice President Kashim Shettima issued the directive on Friday during a visit to the institute, where he met with management, staff, and participants of Senior Executive Course 48, 2026, in the aftermath of the attack.

The Vice President said the move aligns with the commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to safeguard strategic national assets and prevent future security breaches across the country.

According to him, the security framework around NIPSS and similar institutions will be urgently strengthened through enhanced surveillance systems, improved perimeter fencing, stricter access control measures, and increased deployment of security personnel.

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Shettima described the attack, which reportedly claimed the lives of three security personnel, as painful and unacceptable, expressing condolences to the families of the victims and the affected security agencies.

He commended security operatives for their swift response in repelling the attackers and restoring order at the institute.

The Vice President also praised the resilience of NIPSS staff and participants, noting that they remained focused on their academic and policy engagements despite the security incident.

Reaffirming the strategic importance of NIPSS as Nigeria’s foremost policy and leadership training institution, Shettima assured that the Federal Government would not compromise on its security.

He further vowed that those responsible for the attack would be identified and brought to justice.

Speaking during the visit, Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State commended the courage of security operatives and the composure displayed by participants of the institute during the incident.

He said the Vice President’s visit demonstrated the Federal Government’s solidarity with the institution and reaffirmed the importance attached to its safety and stability.

Mutfwang pledged continued collaboration between the Plateau State Government and security agencies to strengthen security around the Kuru axis and other strategic locations within the state.

According to him, immediate measures would include improved lighting, enhanced surveillance systems, and the deployment of additional security patrols around the area.

Earlier, the Director-General of NIPSS, Professor Ayo Omotayo, disclosed that the attack was successfully repelled through the prompt intervention of security operatives.

He revealed that the institute had already activated emergency security measures, including reinforcement of personnel deployment, review of operational procedures, improved surveillance, and tighter access control.

Omotayo expressed appreciation to the Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police Force, intelligence agencies, and other security partners for their support during the incident.

He assured that the attack would not derail the institute’s mandate of policy research, leadership development, and national strategic planning.

The Director-General, however, called for additional security support to further safeguard lives, property, and critical infrastructure within the institution.

He also thanked Vice President Shettima for the visit, describing it as a morale booster that had strengthened confidence among staff and participants while reaffirming the institute’s significance to national development.

‘The Historica Nigeria’ reports that the Federal Government’s recent intervention comes amid growing concerns over attacks on strategic institutions, with authorities emphasizing the need for proactive measures to secure critical national assets across the country.