President Bola Tinubu has ordered the immediate and permanent reinforcement of security at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, Plateau State, following a recent attack on the institution’s perimeter that killed two soldiers and a police officer.
Vice President Kashim Shettima conveyed the directive on Friday during a visit to the institute, where he addressed participants of the Senior Executive Course (SEC) 48 on behalf of the President.
Shettima said the attack had strengthened the Federal Government’s resolve to protect critical national institutions, support security personnel and prevent similar incidents.
He expressed the government’s condolences to the families of the fallen security personnel.
“I come to you with a heavy heart and a firm spirit. A banditry attack on the perimeter of NIPSS claimed the lives of two gallant soldiers and one courageous policeman. To their families, to the Nigerian Armed Forces, and to the Nigeria Police Force, I extend, on behalf of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and the entire Federal Government, our deepest condolences.
“We mourn with you. We share your pain. And we honour their sacrifice,” he said.
The Vice President announced that President Tinubu had directed the activation of emergency security measures at the institute, instructing the Director-General of NIPSS to work with the Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services to strengthen security around the facility.
“His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has directed that emergency security measures be activated at once, with the DG to coordinate with the Armed Forces, the Police, and the DSS to fortify the perimeter without delay.
“On the President’s order, a comprehensive action plan and timeline for permanent reinforcement, covering surveillance, personnel, access control, and emergency systems, must be submitted to the Office of the Vice President within seventy-two hours. Weekly progress reports will follow until full completion. No future attack must find us unprepared,” he added.
Shettima described NIPSS as Nigeria’s strategic intellectual hub and said its protection must remain a national security priority.
He assured staff and participants that their safety remained paramount.
“Your safety is non-negotiable. The President has directed the immediate reinforcement of security around NIPSS and all strategic institutions. The sacrifice of those three brave men will not be in vain. Their children will be our children. Their welfare will be our responsibility,” he said.
He also praised participants of SEC 48 for remaining calm during the attack.
“When darkness came to the gates of this Institute, it expected to find people who would scatter into the night. It found instead men and women who stood their ground.
“You did not flee. You did not abandon your colleagues. You faced the worst that cruelty could send, and you answered it with composure, with courage, and with the steady discipline of people who understand exactly why they were summoned to this place,” he said.
Shettima commended the Director-General of NIPSS, Ayo Omotayo, for his leadership and swift coordination with security agencies, as well as the Director of Studies, Barrister Nima Salman Mann, for maintaining order during the incident.
Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang thanked the Federal Government for its support and approved the establishment of a buffer zone around the institute, alongside the installation of security lights and other protective measures.
He also paid tribute to the fallen security personnel and praised the courage of staff and participants who helped repel the attackers.
Earlier, Omotayo presented an incident report to the Vice President and requested additional security support, including more personnel and the installation of CCTV cameras around the institution.
He said the attack highlighted the vulnerability of critical government institutions and the need to strengthen security nationwide.