Gunmen on Monday night attacked the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, in Plateau State, killing two soldiers and a police officer.
The slain security personnel were reportedly on duty at the institute’s staff quarters when the attackers struck.
Confirming the incident in a statement issued on Tuesday, the Head of Public Affairs at NIPSS, Dr. Osime Samuel, said a security breach occurred in the vicinity of the institute during the early hours of the day.
However, he did not provide details regarding the casualties or the circumstances surrounding the attack.
“The National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru, wishes to inform the public that a security incident occurred in the vicinity of the Institute in the early hours of today,” Samuel stated.
He added that security operatives responded swiftly, bringing the situation under control and restoring calm.
“There is currently no threat to the safety of participants, staff, residents, or facilities of the Institute. Normal activities are continuing as scheduled,” he said.
Sources familiar with the incident revealed that the attackers allegedly targeted the residences of the Acting Director of Studies, Barrister Nima Salman-Mann, and a Directing Staff member, Professor Haruna Dabin.
According to the sources, the two officials had received handwritten threat notes on Saturday, pasted on their doors, demanding payments of $100,000 and N15 million respectively.
The matter was reportedly brought to the attention of the institute’s management.
A source who requested anonymity disclosed that the two soldiers and the police officer lost their lives during a gun battle with the assailants.
“During the day, local security personnel monitor the staff quarters, while soldiers and police officers are deployed at night.
It is believed the attackers came to the residences of the staff members who had earlier received extortion demands,” the source said.
NIPSS management stated that security agencies have launched investigations to establish the circumstances surrounding the attack.
The institute also urged the public and media organisations to rely on official updates from NIPSS and relevant security agencies for accurate information.
“NIPSS is working closely with the appropriate authorities and will provide verified information as soon as it becomes available.
The Management 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,” Samuel added.
The bodies of the deceased security personnel have reportedly been deposited at a mortuary.
