Israel Adamu, Jos
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 what appeared to be an attempt to breach the facility.
Sources said the attackers stormed the institute at about 11:40 p.m. and opened fire, leading to a gun duel with security personnel stationed at the institution.
A staff member of the institute, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the attackers struck unexpectedly but were engaged by security operatives in a fierce exchange of gunfire.
According to the source, three security personnel were killed during 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 attackers from gaining access into the main facility, thereby avoiding further casualties or damage.
The motive behind the attack was still unclear as of the time of filing this report.
A resident of Kuru in Jos South Local Government Area, Bulus Haruna, said the incident caused panic in surrounding communities as sustained gunfire was heard for several minutes.
Efforts to obtain official confirmation from the Plateau State Police Command were unsuccessful at press time, while the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies had also not issued a statement.
