Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting
Nigeria’s premier policy and strategic research institution, the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, near Jos in Plateau State, came under attack late Monday night when armed men invaded the facility, killing three security operatives.
The victims were identified as two soldiers and a police officer attached to the institution.
Sources said the attackers invaded the institute at about 11:40 p.m., opening fire indiscriminately and triggering a fierce gun battle with security personnel guarding the facility.
A staff member of the institute, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he’s not authorised to speak, confirmed the incident to newsmen on Tuesday.
According to the staff member, although the attack came unexpectedly, security personnel stationed at the complex responded swiftly, engaging the assailants in a fierce gun battle that prevented them from breaching the institution.
He disclosed that three security operatives were killed during the confrontation.
The casualties comprised two soldiers and a police officer attached to the institute’s security unit.This version is clearer, more concise, and uses standard news-reporting language.
He, however, wondered at the motive behind the attack.
A resident of Kuru, the host community of the institution, Bulus Haruna, told journalists that the intense bursts of gunfire that shattered the late-night silence sparked fear and panic among residents of Kuru, Vom, the host community of the National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI) and other neighbouring communities.
According to him, the sustained exchange of gunfire left many residents apprehensive as uncertainty gripped the area throughout the night.
Police Public Relations Officer, SP Alfred Alabo, who confirmed the attack, said that the police have launched an investigation into the incident.
Reacting to the incident, the Head, Public Affairs Department of National Institute, Dr Osime Samuel, in a statement, said that the incident was quickly brought under control by conscious security operatives attached to the institute
“The National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, wishes to inform the public that a security incident occurred in the vicinity of the Institute in the early hours of today.
“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 read.
