President Bola Tinubu has ordered 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 that left two soldiers and a police officer dead.
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 strengthened the Federal Government’s determination to protect critical national institutions, support security personnel and prevent a recurrence of similar incidents.
Conveying the President’s condolences, the Vice President sympathised with the families of the slain security personnel and assured them of government 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.
“We mourn with you. We share your pain. And we honour their sacrifice,” he said.
Tinubu orders emergency security measures
Shettima disclosed that Tinubu had directed the immediate activation of emergency security measures at the institute and instructed the Director-General of NIPSS to work closely with the Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS) to strengthen security around the facility.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed that emergency security measures be activated immediately, with the DG coordinating with the Armed Forces, the Police and the DSS to fortify the perimeter without delay,” he said.
He added that the President had also ordered the submission of a comprehensive security reinforcement plan within 72 hours.
“On the President’s directive, 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,” he said.
Describing NIPSS as Nigeria’s strategic intellectual nerve centre, Shettima said the institution remained a vital national asset whose protection must be treated as a top security priority.
He noted that while the attackers intended to instil fear and disrupt the training of future leaders, the incident instead highlighted the resilience, discipline and courage of participants, staff and security personnel.
Addressing members of the institute community, the Vice President assured them that their safety remained a 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.
He stressed that those behind the attack would not succeed in undermining the mission and purpose of the institute.
Commending participants of SEC 48 for their conduct during the incident, Shettima said they had demonstrated 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, courage and the steady discipline of people who understand exactly why they were summoned to this place,” he said.
The Vice President also praised the Director-General of NIPSS, Ayo Omotayo, for his leadership and swift coordination with security agencies, which ensured the prompt deployment of reinforcements and the safety of staff and participants.
He similarly commended the Director of Studies, Barrister Nima Salman Mann, for maintaining order and coordinating emergency response efforts during the attack.
Earlier, Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang thanked the Federal Government for its support and described the Vice President’s visit as a demonstration of solidarity with the institute following the incident.
The governor approved NIPSS management’s request for the establishment of a buffer zone around the institution, as well as the installation of security lights and other protective measures to strengthen security in the area.
He also paid tribute to the slain security personnel and commended the bravery of staff and course participants who helped repel the attackers and prevent further incursion into the institute.
In his remarks, NIPSS Director-General Ayo Omotayo presented an incident report to the Vice President and appealed for additional security support, including the deployment of more personnel and the installation of surveillance infrastructure such as CCTV cameras.
He said the attack highlighted the vulnerability of critical government institutions and underscored the need for stronger security measures across the country.
