Troops of Sector 6, Joint Task Force Operation ENDURING PEACE (JTF OPEP), have repelled an attack by suspected armed criminal elements on the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, in Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State, killing one of the attackers and recovering a rifle stolen from a fallen soldier.

The Nigerian Army disclosed this in a statement posted on its official X handle on Thursday.

According to the statement, the attack occurred at about 12:10 a.m. when the suspected gunmen attempted to breach the institute’s perimeter under the cover of darkness.

The Army said vigilant troops on guard duty responded swiftly, engaging the assailants in a gun battle that resulted in the death of one attacker, while others escaped with suspected gunshot wounds towards nearby high ground.

It added that no soldier was injured during the encounter.

Following the operation, troops recovered an AK-pattern rifle bearing registration number CO-3175 from the neutralised suspect. The weapon was loaded with 16 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the rifle belonged to a Nigerian Army soldier who was killed in action during an earlier clash with unidentified militia elements at the Federal College of Land Resources Technology, Vom, on April 11, 2026.

The Army said the recovered weapon is now in military custody as investigations continue to determine possible links between the attackers and previous security incidents in the Kuru-Vom axis.

The remains of the slain suspect have been evacuated to a mortuary through the appropriate authorities.

The statement added that troops have intensified area domination patrols, clearance operations and pursuit of the fleeing suspects around NIPSS Kuru and neighbouring communities to prevent further attacks and strengthen security in the area.

The Army said the security situation remains under control and normal activities at the institute and surrounding communities have continued without disruption.

Reaffirming its commitment to safeguarding lives and critical national infrastructure, the Nigerian Army urged residents to remain vigilant, go about their lawful activities and promptly report suspicious movements or activities to security agencies, stressing that public cooperation remains crucial to ongoing efforts to improve security across Plateau State.