Suspected gunmen on Monday night attacked the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, near Jos in Plateau State, killing three security operatives in an attempt to breach the country’s foremost policy institution.
Sources said the attackers stormed the facility at about 11:40 p.m. and opened fire, sparking a fierce exchange with security personnel stationed at the institute.
A staff member of the institute, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed the incident, saying the attackers launched the assault unexpectedly.
According to the source, security operatives engaged the assailants in a gun battle to prevent them from gaining access to the premises.
The staff member disclosed that three security personnel were killed in the attack, including two soldiers and one police officer attached to the institute’s security detail.
He added that the swift response of security operatives prevented the gunmen from penetrating deeper into the facility or causing further damage.
The source, however, said the motive behind the attack was still unknown at the time of filing this report.
A resident of Kuru in Jos South Local Government Area, Bulus Haruna, said the attack caused panic in surrounding communities as sustained gunfire echoed for several minutes.
He said residents were thrown into fear following the sound of heavy shooting during the night attack.
Efforts by newsmen to reach the Plateau State Police Command for confirmation were unsuccessful as of press time, and attempts to obtain official comments from NIPSS management were also unsuccessful.
