Suspected gunmen launched another attack on the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) in Kuru, Plateau State, on Wednesday night, but security operatives successfully repelled the assault, killing one of the attackers during a gun battle.
Reports indicate the assailants attempted to force their way into the institution at about 11pm but were resisted by security personnel stationed at the facility.
In a statement released on Thursday by Dr. Osime Samuel, head of public affairs at NIPSS, the institute said the attackers engaged operatives in a fierce exchange of gunfire before retreating due to what it described as a swift and coordinated security response.
According to the statement, one of the attackers was neutralised during the confrontation, while several others reportedly escaped with varying degrees of injuries.
NIPSS said the gunmen were unable to breach the institute’s security perimeter, stressing that all participants of the Senior Executive Course, staff, residents and facilities remained unharmed.
The institute added that security agencies had stepped up efforts to track and arrest the fleeing suspects, while surveillance and other proactive security measures around the premises had been strengthened.
Reassuring participants, staff, their families and the public, NIPSS said protecting lives and property remains its top priority.
The institute also praised the swift response and professionalism of security agencies, urging the public to ignore misinformation capable of causing unnecessary panic.
The latest attack comes only weeks after gunmen previously targeted the institute in another failed attempt to gain access to the premises.