NIGERIA: Three Security Operatives Killed in Attack Near NIPSS, Plateau

By Ameenat Hamzat, Lagos, Nigeria

Three security operatives have been killed following an attack by unidentified gunmen near the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, in Plateau State.

The Plateau State Police Command confirmed the incident on Tuesday, saying the operatives lost their lives while on duty in the early hours of June 16.

In a statement, the Police Public Relations Officer, Alfred Alabo, described the development as unfortunate and disclosed that security reinforcements had been deployed to the area on the directive of the Commissioner of Police, Bassey Ewah.

The statement reads: “The Plateau State Police Command, on a very sad note, wishes to confirm the incident that occurred in the early hours of today, 16th June 2026, involving security personnel on duty at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, NIPSS, Kuru. Regrettably, three security personnel lost their lives during the incident.”

The command said patrols had been intensified around the area, adding that investigations had commenced to unravel the circumstances surrounding the attack. It assured residents that the situation had been brought under control and normal activities had resumed.

Earlier, NIPSS described the development as a “security incident” in the vicinity of the institute, stressing that there was no threat to participants, staff, residents or facilities within the institution.

“As investigations are ongoing, it would be premature to speculate on the nature, scope, or outcome of the event,” a statement signed by Dr. Osime Samuel, Head of Public Affairs Department of NIPSS, stated.

The institute urged the public and the media to rely only on official communications from the institute and relevant security agencies.

NIPSS, Nigeria’s foremost policy training institution for senior public officials, said it was working closely with the appropriate authorities and would provide verified information as investigations progress.