From Yakubu Wuyep, Jos
Following Tuesday’s deadly security breach on the security breach at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, near Jos, the Plateau State capital, the Vice President, Alhaji Kashim Shettima, has arrived at Yakubu Gowon Airport in Jos, on a condolence visit.
This was even as security agencies have arrested some suspects, in connection with the armed attack on the institute, which left three persons dead.
On his arrival, the Vice President was received by the Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang; his deputy, Josephine Piyo; and the Director-General of NIPSS, Prof. Ayo Omotayo, alongside senior government and institute officials.
Shettima’s visit is aimed at conveying the Federal Government’s condolences and solidarity with the institute and the Kuru community.
He is also expected to reassure stakeholders of ongoing federal interventions to strengthen security and promote lasting peace and stability across the country.
The visit follows an attack by suspected gunmen on the NIPSS premises in Kuru, near Jos, in the early hours of Tuesday.
The attackers breached parts of the institute’s perimeter, and engaged security personnel in a gun battle.
The incident resulted in the deaths of three security operatives, while security forces successfully repelled the attackers and prevented them from gaining access to the institute’s residential and training facilities.
Authorities subsequently deployed additional security personnel to the area, and investigations into the attack are ongoing.
NIPSS, widely regarded as Nigeria’s premier policy and strategic studies institution, plays a critical role in training senior public servants, military officers, security chiefs, and policymakers.
Meanwhile, the Director-General of NIPSS, Professor Ayo Omotayo, has confirmed the arrests of some suspects, in connection with the armed attack at NIPSS.
Omotayo dropped the hint while receiving the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of the North Central Zone, Mohammed Bala Ishaq, during a security assessment visit to the institution.
Ishaq’s visit followed the attack on the institute by armed assailants, an incident that has raised fresh concerns over security around one of the country’s foremost policy training centres.
Omotayo said intelligence reports had indicated the likelihood of an attack prior to the incident, a development he said enabled security operatives to respond swiftly and limit the scale of the assault.
He assured that investigations were ongoing, and pledged that all individuals connected to the attack would be identified and brought to justice.
The NIPSS DG also commended security agencies for their prompt response and renewed presence around the institution following the incident.
In his remarks, Ishaq assured staff and participants of the Senior Executive Course 48, 2026, of adequate protection.
Ishaq stressing that the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), in collaboration with other security agencies, had strengthened security deployments within and around the institute.
He said the enhanced security measures were aimed at preventing a recurrence and ensuring the safety of personnel, participants and visitors to the institution.