PRESIDENT Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the immediate and permanent reinforcement of security at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru, Plateau State, following a recent attack on the institution’s perimeter that claimed the lives of two soldiers and a police officer.
NEWS POINT NIGERIA reports that 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.
According to the Vice President, the attack has only strengthened the Federal Government’s determination to protect critical national institutions, support security personnel and ensure that similar incidents do not occur in the future.
Shettima also conveyed the condolences of the Federal Government to the families of the fallen security personnel, assuring them that the government would stand by them during this difficult period.
“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 to the Nigeria Police Force, I extend, on behalf of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and the entire Federal Government, our deepest condolences.
“We mourn with you. We share your pain. And we honour their sacrifice,” he said.
The Vice President announced that President Tinubu had directed the immediate activation of emergency security measures at the institute.
He said the President instructed the Director-General of NIPSS to work closely with the Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services to strengthen and secure the institution’s perimeter without delay.
“His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has directed that emergency security measures be activated at once, with the DG to coordinate with the Armed Forces, the Police, and the DSS to fortify the perimeter without delay.
“On the President’s order, 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 seventy-two hours. Weekly progress reports will follow until full completion. No future attack must find us unprepared,” Shettima stated.
Describing NIPSS as Nigeria’s strategic intellectual nerve centre, the Vice President said the institution remains a vital national asset whose protection must continue to rank among the country’s highest security priorities.
He noted that although the attackers sought to instill fear and disrupt the training of future leaders, the incident instead highlighted the courage, resilience and professionalism displayed by participants, management and security personnel.
According to him, the response to the attack demonstrated the strength of the institution and the commitment of those entrusted with safeguarding it.
Addressing staff and participants, Shettima assured them that their safety remains a top priority for 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 stressed that those behind the attack would not succeed in undermining the purpose, mission and national significance of the institute.
Shettima also praised participants of the Senior Executive Course 48 for their composure and conduct during the attack, describing their actions as evidence of 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. It found instead 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 you answered it with composure, with courage, and with the steady discipline of people who understand exactly why they were summoned to this place,” he said.
The Vice President commended the Director-General of NIPSS, Ayo Omotayo, for his leadership and effective coordination with security agencies during the crisis.
He noted that Omotayo’s swift actions contributed significantly to the prompt deployment of reinforcements and the protection of participants and staff.
Shettima also praised the Director of Studies, Barrister Nima Salman Mann, for maintaining order and coordinating safety measures throughout the incident.
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 empathy and solidarity following the attack.
The governor approved a request by the management of NIPSS for the establishment of a buffer zone around the institution.
He also approved the installation of security lights and other protective measures aimed at enhancing security around the facility and its surrounding environment.
Mutfwang paid tribute to the fallen security personnel and commended the courage of staff members and course participants who helped repel the attackers and prevent further incursion into the institute.
In his remarks, Omotayo presented an incident report to the Vice President and appealed for additional security support for the institution.
The NIPSS Director-General requested the deployment of more security personnel and the installation of surveillance infrastructure, including Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras, across the institution.
According to him, the attack exposed the vulnerability of critical government institutions and underscored the urgent need for enhanced security measures nationwide.
He stressed that strengthening security infrastructure around strategic institutions remains essential to safeguarding national assets, protecting lives and ensuring uninterrupted delivery of their mandates.