President Bola Tinubu has ordered the immediate and permanent reinforcement of security at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, Plateau State, following a deadly bandit attack on the institute’s perimeter that claimed the lives of two soldiers and a police officer.

The President said the incident had further strengthened the Federal Government’s resolve to safeguard strategic national institutions, support security personnel and prevent future security breaches.

Speaking on Friday during a visit to participants of Senior Executive Course (SEC) 48, 2026, at NIPSS, Vice President Kashim Shettima, who represented the President, conveyed the Federal Government’s condolences to the families of the fallen security personnel and assured them of government support.

He disclosed that President Tinubu had directed the immediate activation of emergency security measures at the institute, with the Director-General of NIPSS mandated to work closely with the Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS) to strengthen security around the institution.

According to the Vice President, the President has further ordered the submission of a comprehensive action plan within 72 hours, detailing permanent security reinforcement measures covering surveillance systems, personnel deployment, access control mechanisms and emergency response infrastructure.

“His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has directed that emergency security measures be activated immediately, with the Director-General coordinating with the Armed Forces, the Police and the DSS to fortify the institute’s perimeter without delay.

“On the President’s instruction, 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 72 hours. Weekly progress reports will follow until full implementation. No future attack must find us unprepared,” Shettima stated.

Describing NIPSS as Nigeria’s foremost strategic policy institution and intellectual nerve centre, the Vice President said its protection must remain a national security priority.

He noted that while the attackers sought to instil fear and disrupt the institute’s activities, the incident instead showcased the resilience, discipline and courage of participants, management and security personnel.

“I come to you with a heavy heart and a firm spirit. The bandit attack on the perimeter of this institution claimed the lives of two gallant soldiers and one courageous policeman. On behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Federal Government, I extend our deepest condolences to their families, the Nigerian Armed Forces and the Nigeria Police Force.
“We mourn with you. We share your pain. And we honour their sacrifice,” he said.

Assuring participants and staff of the institute of their safety, Shettima said President Tinubu had directed enhanced security not only around NIPSS but also across other strategic national 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 pledged.

The Vice President stressed that those behind the attack would not succeed in undermining the country’s institutions or weakening national resolve.

He also commended participants of SEC 48 for their calm and disciplined response during the incident, saying their conduct demonstrated the leadership qualities expected of future national leaders.

“When darkness came to the gates of this Institute, it expected to find people who would scatter into the night. Instead, it found 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 responded with courage, composure and discipline,” he said.

Shettima further praised the Director-General of NIPSS, Prof. Ayo Omotayo, for his leadership and swift coordination with security agencies, which ensured rapid reinforcement of the institute and accountability for all staff and participants.

“In a moment that tested this institution to its core, your calm leadership turned crisis into control. On behalf of the President and the nation, I thank you,” he said.

He also commended the Director of Studies, Barrister Nima Salman Mann, for coordinating safety efforts and maintaining order during the emergency.

Earlier, Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang expressed appreciation to the Federal Government for its swift response and solidarity following the attack.

The governor approved requests by NIPSS management for the establishment of a security buffer zone around the institution and the installation of security lighting and other protective infrastructure.

He paid tribute to the fallen security personnel and commended the courage of staff and participants who helped repel the attack.

In his remarks, the Director-General of NIPSS, Prof. Omotayo, presented an incident report to the Vice President, describing the visit as a demonstration of President Tinubu’s commitment to the institute and national security.

He warned that the incident underscored the vulnerability of critical government institutions and appealed for enhanced surveillance infrastructure, including closed-circuit television (CCTV) systems and additional security personnel.

Representatives of SEC 48 participants, Dr Toyin Sanni and Dr Kabiru Abba, said the Vice President’s visit had reassured participants of government’s commitment to their safety and strengthened their resolve to complete the programme.