Tinubu Orders Immediate Security Reinforcement at NIPSS After Bandit Attack

Tinubu Orders Immediate Security Reinforcement at NIPSS After Bandit Attack

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the immediate and permanent reinforcement of security at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru, Plateau State, following a recent bandit attack on the perimeter of the institute that claimed the lives of two soldiers and a police officer.

The directive was conveyed on Friday by Vice President Kashim Shettima while addressing participants of Senior Executive Course (SEC) 48, 2026, at the institute on behalf of the President.

Shettima said the attack had strengthened the Federal Government’s resolve to protect strategic national institutions and ensure that future security threats are effectively prevented.

He conveyed President Tinubu’s condolences to the families of the fallen security personnel and assured them that their sacrifices would not be forgotten.

“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 our deepest condolences,” the Vice President said.

According to him, President Tinubu has ordered the immediate activation of emergency security measures at the institute, directing the Director-General of NIPSS to work closely with the Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services to strengthen security around the facility.

He disclosed that the President had further ordered the submission of a comprehensive security reinforcement plan within 72 hours, covering surveillance systems, personnel deployment, access control mechanisms and emergency response infrastructure.

“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 stated.

The Vice President described NIPSS as Nigeria’s strategic intellectual nerve centre and a critical national asset whose protection must remain a top security priority.

He noted that while the attackers intended to spread fear and disrupt the institute’s activities, the incident instead demonstrated the courage, discipline and resilience of participants, management and security personnel.

Addressing participants of SEC 48, Shettima commended their calmness and determination during the attack, saying their conduct under pressure 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,” he said.

The Vice President also praised the Director-General of NIPSS, Ayo Omotayo, for his leadership during the crisis and his swift coordination with security agencies, which helped secure the institute and account for all participants and staff.

He further commended the Director of Studies, Nima Salman Mann, for ensuring order and safety throughout the incident.

Meanwhile, Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang expressed appreciation to the Federal Government for its support and solidarity following the attack.

The governor approved requests by NIPSS management for the establishment of a buffer zone around the institution and the installation of security lighting and other protective infrastructure.

Presenting an incident report during the visit, Prof. Omotayo highlighted the vulnerability of critical government institutions and appealed for enhanced surveillance systems, including CCTV coverage and additional security personnel.

Representatives of SEC 48 participants, Dr. Toyin Sanni and Dr. Kabiru Abba, assured the Vice President that course participants remained focused on completing their programme and were encouraged by the government’s commitment to their safety.

The Federal Government reiterated that the protection of strategic institutions remains a priority and vowed that those responsible for the attack would not be allowed to undermine national security or disrupt the mission of the institute.

Tinubu Orders Immediate Security Reinforcement at NIPSS After Bandit Attack