Troops from the Joint Task Force Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) have successfully thwarted an attempted infiltration by gunmen at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) in Kuru, near Jos.
​The incident, which occurred early Monday morning, marks the second security breach targeted at Nigeria’s premier think-tank institution within a fortnight.
​According to military sources, troops deployed to Sector 6, operating in collaboration with other sister security agencies, detected suspicious movements around the perimeter fencing of the institution at approximately 1:30 am on Monday.
​The security forces responded swiftly to the threat, moving aggressively to secure the perimeter. Caught off guard by the rapid military response, the suspected intruders fled into the surrounding thick bushes before they could execute their assault or breach the core facilities.
​A subsequent search and sweep operation conducted around the immediate area yielded no arrests, as the hoodlums took advantage of the night cover to escape. Crucially, no casualties or injuries were recorded during the encounter.
​The latest infiltration attempt comes exactly two weeks after a deadlier assault on the elite policy hub. On June 16, a gang of heavily armed gunmen stormed the facility, killing three security operatives, comprising two soldiers and a police officer during a fierce gun battle at the main entrance.
​Following that initial attack, Vice President Kashim Shettima visited the institution to deliver condolences and explicitly directed the management and military high command to carry out an immediate, comprehensive review of the security arrangements at NIPSS. The Vice President also promised the immediate deployment of solar-powered streetlights to eliminate dark spots around the expansive facility.
​When contacted, the Spokesman for the Plateau State Police Command, SP Alfred Alabo, stated that he had not yet been fully briefed on the specifics of Monday’s early-morning encounter.
​The management of the institute has not issued an official press release regarding the latest scare, but security has been heavily reinforced around the Kuru axis to deter further provocations.
