Three security operatives were killed when gunmen attacked the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, near Jos in Plateau State, in an apparent attempt to breach the country’s foremost policy institution.

Sources close to the institute said the attackers stormed the facility at about 11:40 p.m. and opened fire, prompting an exchange of gunfire with security personnel on duty.

A staff member of the institute, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed the incident, saying the assailants launched the attack unexpectedly.

According to the source, security operatives engaged the gunmen in a fierce confrontation to prevent them from gaining access to the institute. The attack claimed the lives of three security personnel, including two soldiers and a police officer attached to the institute’s security detail.

The source added that the swift intervention of other security forces in the area prevented the attackers from penetrating deeper into the facility and causing further damage.

The motive for the attack remained unclear at the time of filing this report.

A resident of Kuru in Jos South Local Council, Mr Bulus Haruna, said residents of neighbouring communities were thrown into panic by the sound of sustained gunfire that lasted several minutes.

Confirming the incident in a statement yesterday, the spokesperson for the Plateau State Police Command, SP Alfred Alabo, said it occurred in the early hours of yesterday, and involved security personnel on duty at NIPSS, Kuru.

He said three security personnel lost their lives during the incident.

Alabo added that the Commissioner of Police, Mr Bassey Ewah, had deployed security reinforcements and intensified patrols in the area.

“The situation is under control and normal activities have resumed. Investigation is ongoing. The command urges members of the public to remain calm and go about their lawful businesses. Further updates will be communicated in due course,” he said.

Efforts to obtain confirmation from the spokesperson for Operation Enduring Peace, Lt Col Victor Olukoya, were unsuccessful as calls to his phone did not connect at the time of filing this report.

Similarly, authorities of NIPSS did not respond to requests for comments.

However, in a statement, the institute’s Head of Public Affairs Department, Dr Osime Samuel, confirmed that a security incident occurred near the institute in the early hours of yesterday.

“The situation was promptly brought under control through the swift response of security personnel and relevant security agencies. There is currently no threat to the safety of participants, staff, residents, or facilities of the Institute, and normal activities are continuing as scheduled.

“Security agencies have commenced investigations to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident. As investigations are ongoing, it would be premature to speculate on the nature, scope, or outcome of the event. The Institute is therefore unable to confirm details currently circulating on social media and other unofficial platforms.”

“NIPSS is working closely with the appropriate authorities and will provide verified information as soon as it becomes available. We urge members of the public and the 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,” the statement said.