President Bola Tinubu has issued a firm directive mandating the creation of a full-scale security action plan within 72 hours following a violent attack on the perimeter of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) in Kuru, Plateau State, which left two soldiers and a police officer dead.
In response to the incident, the President also approved the immediate and permanent strengthening of security at the prestigious national policy and leadership training centre, underscoring government concerns over the safety of critical institutions.
Vice President, Kashim Shettima delivered the President’s message on Friday during a condolence visit to NIPSS, where he met with management, members of the Senior Executive Course (SEC 48, 2026), and residents affected by the attack.
He stressed that the Federal Government would not tolerate any attempt by criminal groups to undermine institutions central to governance, leadership training, and national development. Shettima also conveyed Tinubu’s condolences to the families of the slain security personnel who died in active defence of the facility.
According to him, the President described the incident as unacceptable and reaffirmed commitment to safeguarding national assets, insisting that security lapses would be urgently addressed to prevent a repeat.
Tinubu has further directed the Director-General of NIPSS to collaborate closely with the Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), and other relevant agencies to develop a comprehensive security framework for the institute.
The proposed measures are expected to include enhanced surveillance systems, increased deployment of armed personnel, stricter access control, improved perimeter fencing, emergency response upgrades, and expanded protective infrastructure.
Shettima noted that the completed security blueprint must be submitted to the Office of the Vice President within three days, reflecting the urgency attached to the directive.
The move comes amid rising concerns over the vulnerability of key national institutions to security threats across the country.
Speaking during the visit, NIPSS Director-General, Professor Ayo Omotayo, described the attack as a direct assault on one of Nigeria’s most important policy and leadership training institutions, noting its nearly five decades of contribution to governance and national development.
Although he confirmed that security forces repelled the attackers, he acknowledged that the incident exposed gaps in perimeter protection due to the vast size of the facility and evolving security challenges.
He appealed for urgent federal intervention, including the deployment of integrated CCTV systems, additional security personnel, patrol vehicles, solar-powered lighting, and the creation of buffer zones around the institute.
Omotayo, however, assured that academic and strategic programmes at NIPSS remain unaffected and continue without interruption.
Participants of the Senior Executive Course 48, represented by Dr. Kabir Abba and Dr. Toyin Sanni, described the attack as traumatic but commended the swift response of security operatives and management, which helped restore calm.
They reaffirmed their commitment to the programme’s objectives despite the breach, insisting they would remain focused and undeterred.
Plateau State Governor, Barrister Caleb Mutfwang, also visited the institution, paying tribute to the slain security personnel and praising their sacrifice.
He pledged the state government’s support in strengthening security around NIPSS through improved lighting, enhanced patrols, and closer collaboration with federal security agencies, describing the protection of strategic institutions as a shared responsibility.
Earlier reports indicated that gunmen launched a late-night coordinated attack near the facility, leading to a gun battle with security operatives and resulting in multiple fatalities, including a police officer and another security operative.
Despite the incident, authorities maintain that NIPSS remains fully operational and continues its core academic and policy programmes.
