Tinubu orders security reinforcement at NIPSS after deadly attack

President Bola Tinubu has ordered the immediate reinforcement of security at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, Plateau State, following a recent bandit attack on the institution’s perimeter that left two soldiers and a police officer dead.

The directive was issued on Friday during a visit to participants of the Senior Executive Course (SEC) 48 and conveyed by Vice President Kashim Shettima, who represented the President.

According to a statement by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Stanley Nkwocha, Tinubu directed the activation of emergency security measures and pledged government support for the families of the slain security personnel.

Shettima said the Director-General of NIPSS, Prof. Ayo Omotayo, had been instructed to work closely with the Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS) to immediately strengthen the institute’s security and prevent future attacks.

He also directed the submission of a comprehensive security reinforcement plan covering surveillance systems, personnel deployment, access control and emergency response mechanisms to the Office of the Vice President within 72 hours, with weekly progress reports to follow.

The Vice President stressed that the protection of the institution remains a national security priority and conveyed the Federal Government’s condolences to the families of the deceased officers.

“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.

Shettima noted that the attack was intended to create fear and disrupt the training of future national leaders but instead highlighted the courage and resilience of participants, management and security personnel at the institute.

He commended the participants of SEC 48 for remaining calm during the incident, saying their conduct under pressure reflected the leadership qualities expected of future national leaders.

The Vice President also praised Omotayo for his leadership and swift coordination with security agencies, which facilitated the rapid deployment of reinforcements and ensured the safety of participants and staff.

“In a moment that tested this Institute to its core, your calm command turned crisis into control. On behalf of the President and the nation, I thank you,” he said.

Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State, who accompanied the Vice President, appreciated the Federal Government’s support and approved requests by NIPSS management for the establishment of a buffer zone around the institution and the installation of security lights.

Earlier, Omotayo presented an incident report and called for additional surveillance infrastructure, including CCTV cameras and increased deployment of security personnel.

Representatives of the SEC 48 participants, Dr. Toyin Sanni and Dr. Kabiru Abba, said the visit had reassured participants of the government’s commitment to their safety and allowed them to remain focused on completing their programme.