Security operatives at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, Plateau state, have repelled another attack by suspected gunmen, killing one of the assailants during a fierce exchange of gunfire.
The latest attack occurred at about 11 p.m. on Wednesday when the armed men reportedly attempted to force their way into the institute through its security perimeter but met stiff resistance from security personnel stationed at the facility.
Confirming the incident on Thursday, Osime Samuel, the institute’s head of public affairs said the attackers engaged security operatives in a gun battle before they were forced to retreat following a coordinated response.
According to the statement, one of the suspected attackers was killed during the operation, while several others escaped with gunshot injuries.
“The National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru, wishes to inform the public that another attempt by unidentified armed assailants to breach the institute’s security perimeter was successfully repelled late on Wednesday night,” the statement said.
“The attackers engaged security operatives in a gun duel but were forced to retreat following the swift and coordinated response of security forces. One of the assailants was neutralised during the encounter, while others reportedly fled with varying degrees of injuries.”
The institute stressed that the attackers failed to gain access to the facility, assuring that all participants, staff, residents and critical infrastructure within the institute remained safe.
It added that security agencies had intensified efforts to track down the fleeing suspects, while surveillance and other preventive security measures had been strengthened within and around the institute.
NIPSS reassured members of the public that safeguarding lives and property remains its top priority and urged residents to disregard unverified reports capable of causing unnecessary panic.
The latest attack comes less than two weeks after suspected gunmen invaded the institute and nearby communities, leaving three people, including security personnel, dead.
Following that incident, security agencies reinforced security around the institute, regarded as Nigeria’s foremost policy and leadership training centre, to prevent further attacks.