President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the immediate and permanent reinforcement of security at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, Plateau State, following a recent attack on the institution’s perimeter.
Vice President Kashim Shettima conveyed the directive during a visit to NIPSS on Friday to commiserate with management, staff, participants, and residents. Addressing Senior Executive Course 48, 2026 participants, Shettima said the Federal Government would not allow criminal elements to threaten strategic national institutions vital to governance, leadership development, and policy innovation.
He conveyed President Tinubu’s condolences to the families of the two soldiers and one police officer who died defending the Institute. “The recent incident has only strengthened our resolve to protect national institutions, support our security personnel, and ensure future attacks do not catch us unprepared,” he stated.
The Vice President announced that President Tinubu had ordered immediate emergency security measures. He directed the NIPSS Director-General to collaborate with the Armed Forces, Nigeria Police, Department of State Services, and other agencies to develop a comprehensive action plan—including enhanced surveillance, personnel deployment, access control, perimeter protection, and emergency infrastructure. The plan must be submitted to the Office of the Vice President within 72 hours.
In his welcome address, NIPSS Director-General Professor Ayo Omotayo described the attack as an assault on a strategic national institution that has contributed to leadership development, strategic research, national integration, and policy formulation for nearly five decades. Though the attackers were repelled by security personnel, he noted that the incident highlighted vulnerabilities due to the Institute’s vast area and evolving threats.
Professor Omotayo appealed for a special security intervention package, including an integrated CCTV surveillance system, additional personnel, patrol vehicles, solar-powered perimeter lighting, and the creation of security buffer zones.
He assured the Vice President that NIPSS remains fully operational, with all academic and strategic programmes continuing uninterrupted.
Representing participants of the Senior Executive Course (SEC) 48, Dr. Kabir Abba and Dr. Toyin Sanni recounted the traumatic experience of the attack, noting that while many participants and their families were initially shaken, the prompt response of the Institute’s management and security agencies restored confidence. They reaffirmed their commitment to the ideals and objectives of the Senior Executive Course, expressing their resolve to remain focused and undeterred despite the unfortunate security breach.
Plateau State Governor, Barrister Caleb Mutfwang, paid tribute to the fallen security personnel and pledged the state government’s support through improved lighting, enhanced patrols, and closer collaboration with federal agencies. He assured continued partnership to secure NIPSS and its environs, describing the protection of strategic national assets as a priority.
The visit highlighted the commitment of both the Federal and Plateau State Governments to ensuring NIPSS remains secure and able to fulfill its role as Nigeria’s premier centre for policy research, strategic studies, and leadership development.
