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 during a security operation at the institution’s staff quarters.
The victims were reportedly on duty at the staff residential area when the attackers struck, leading to an exchange of gunfire that left the three security personnel dead.
Confirming the incident, the Head of Public Affairs at NIPSS, Dr. Osime Samuel, said in a statement sent to News Point Nigeria on Tuesday that a security breach occurred in the vicinity of the institute in the early hours of the day.
“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 the situation was swiftly brought under control by security personnel, assuring that there was no immediate threat to participants, staff, residents or facilities within the institute.
According to him, “there is currently no threat to the safety of participants, staff, residents, or facilities of the Institute. Normal activities are continuing as scheduled.”
However, findings by Daily Trust indicated that the gunmen specifically targeted the residences of the Acting Director of Studies, Barrister Nima Salman-Mann, and a Directing Staff of the institute, Professor Haruna Dabin.
Sources disclosed that both officials had on Saturday discovered handwritten notes pasted on their doors, allegedly demanding payments of $100,000 and N15 million each. The matter was reportedly brought to the attention of the institution’s management before the attack occurred.
A source familiar with the development, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the slain security personnel died while confronting the attackers.
“During the day, local security watch the staff quarters. At night, soldiers and police are deployed to provide security in the area. It is believed that the attackers came to the houses of the staff they earlier sent notes demanding money from them,” the source said.
Following the attack, the management of NIPSS said security agencies had launched investigations to unravel the circumstances surrounding the incident and identify those responsible.
“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,” Samuel stated.
The institute reiterated its commitment to the safety and security of members of its community while commending the response of the security personnel involved.
“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,” he added.
Meanwhile, it was gathered that the bodies of the two soldiers and the police officer killed during the attack have been deposited at a mortuary, while investigations continue into the deadly incident.