President Bola Ahmed 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 bandit attack on the institution’s perimeter that claimed the lives of two soldiers and a police officer.
The directive was conveyed on Friday by Vice President Kashim Shettima during a visit to the institute, where he addressed participants of the Senior Executive Course (SEC) 48 on behalf of the President.
The Vice President said the Federal Government would not allow the attack to undermine the country’s strategic institutions, stressing that urgent measures had been activated to strengthen security at the nation’s foremost policy think tank.
According to Shettima, President Tinubu has instructed the Director General of NIPSS to immediately coordinate with the Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS) to fortify the institution’s perimeter and prevent any recurrence of the incident.
“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,” the Vice President said.
He further disclosed that the President had ordered the submission of a comprehensive security reinforcement plan within 72 hours.
“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,” Shettima stated.
Describing NIPSS as Nigeria’s strategic intellectual nerve centre, the Vice President said the attack was aimed at spreading fear and disrupting the training of future national leaders but failed because of the courage and discipline demonstrated by participants and 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,” he said.
“We mourn with you. We share your pain. And we honour their sacrifice.”
Shettima assured the families of the fallen officers that the Federal Government would take responsibility for their welfare and that their sacrifices would not be forgotten.
“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 added.
The Vice President also commended participants of the Senior Executive Course for maintaining composure during the attack, saying their response reflected the qualities expected of future national leaders.
“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 praised the leadership of the Director General of NIPSS, Professor Ayo Omotayo, for his swift response and coordination with security agencies during the crisis.
“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,” the Vice President said.
Earlier, Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, expressed appreciation to the Federal Government for its prompt response and solidarity with the institute following the attack.
The governor also approved requests by NIPSS management for the creation of a buffer zone around the institution and the installation of security lighting and other protective infrastructure to enhance safety around the facility.
In his remarks, NIPSS Director General, Ayo Omotayo, presented an incident report to the Vice President and appealed for enhanced surveillance infrastructure, including CCTV cameras and additional security personnel.
Omotayo said the incident exposed the vulnerability of critical government institutions and underscored the need for stronger preventive security measures.
Representatives of the Senior Executive Course 48 participants, Dr. Toyin Sanni and Dr. Kabiru Abba, also assured the Vice President that participants remained focused on completing their programme, expressing confidence in the government’s commitment to their safety.
The attack on the NIPSS perimeter has renewed concerns over security around strategic national institutions, even as the Federal Government moves to strengthen protective measures and reassure Nigerians that critical facilities will remain secure against future threats.
