Tinubu Orders Emergency Security Reinforcement After Deadly NIPSS Attack

President Bola Tinubu has directed the immediate activation of emergency security measures at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, following a deadly bandit attack that claimed the lives of two soldiers and a police officer.

The directive was conveyed on Friday by Vice President Kashim Shettima during a visit to the institute, where he addressed participants of the Senior Executive Course (SEC) 48 on behalf of the President.

Shettima said the attack had further strengthened the Federal Government’s determination to safeguard critical national institutions, support security personnel and prevent a recurrence of similar incidents.

Expressing the government's condolences, the Vice President sympathised with the families of the fallen security operatives and assured them of continued support.

“I come to you with a heavy heart and a firm spirit. A banditry attack on the perimeter of NIPSS claimed the lives of two gallant soldiers and one courageous policeman. To their families, to the Nigerian Armed Forces and the Nigeria Police Force, I extend, on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the entire Federal Government, our deepest condolences,” Shettima said.

“We mourn with you. We share your pain. And we honour their sacrifice.”

The Vice President disclosed that President Tinubu had directed the Director-General of NIPSS to work closely with the Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS) to immediately strengthen security around the institution.

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

“Weekly progress reports will follow until full completion. No future attack must find us unprepared,” Shettima stated.

Describing NIPSS as Nigeria’s foremost policy and leadership institute, the Vice President stressed that the institution remains a strategic national asset whose protection must be treated as a priority.

He noted that although the attackers sought to spread fear and disrupt the institute’s activities, the response of participants, staff and security personnel demonstrated courage, discipline and resilience.

Addressing participants of the Senior Executive Course, Shettima assured them that their safety remained paramount to the Federal Government.

“Your safety is non-negotiable. The President has directed the immediate reinforcement of security around NIPSS and all strategic 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 said.

The Vice President further declared that those responsible for the attack would not succeed in undermining the institute’s mission or intimidating future leaders undergoing training at the facility.

He commended participants of SEC 48 for remaining calm and united during the incident, describing their conduct as a reflection of the qualities expected of 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,” he said.

“You did not flee. You did not abandon your colleagues. You faced the worst that cruelty could send and responded with composure, courage and discipline.”

Shettima also praised the Director-General of NIPSS, Professor Ayo Omotayo, for his leadership and swift coordination with security agencies, which led to the rapid deployment of reinforcements and helped secure the institution.

He equally commended the Director of Studies, Barrister Nima Salman Mann, for maintaining order and coordinating the safety of staff and course participants during the crisis.

Earlier, Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang thanked the Federal Government for its support and described the Vice President’s visit as a strong demonstration of solidarity with the institution and the state.

The governor approved requests by the institute's management for the creation of a security buffer zone around the facility, as well as the installation of security lighting and other protective infrastructure.

Mutfwang also paid tribute to the slain security personnel and applauded the bravery of staff members and course participants who helped repel the attackers and prevent further intrusion into the institute.

In his remarks, the Director-General of NIPSS, Professor Omotayo, presented an incident report to the Vice President and appealed for additional security measures, including the deployment of more personnel and the installation of surveillance systems such as CCTV cameras around the institution.

He noted that the attack highlighted the vulnerability of critical government facilities and underscored the urgent need for enhanced security across strategic national institutions.