After Deadly NIPSS Attack, Tinubu Orders Security Lockdown Around Strategic Institute

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed 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 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 Senior Executive Course 48 on behalf of the President.

According to Shettima, the attack has reinforced the Federal Government's determination to safeguard strategic national institutions and strengthen protection for security personnel deployed to defend them.

The Vice President said Tinubu had ordered emergency security measures to be activated without delay and instructed NIPSS management to work closely with the Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS) to fortify the institution's perimeter.

Shettima disclosed that the President had also directed the submission of a comprehensive security reinforcement plan within 72 hours. The plan, he said, must cover surveillance systems, personnel deployment, access control mechanisms and emergency response infrastructure.

"His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has directed that emergency security measures be activated at once," the Vice President said.

"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 extended the condolences of the Federal Government to the families of the security personnel killed during the attack, describing the deceased officers as patriots who paid the ultimate price in the service of the nation.

"I come to you with a heavy heart and a firm spirit," he said.

"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 President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the entire Federal Government, our deepest condolences."

"We mourn with you. We share your pain. And we honour their sacrifice."

The Vice President assured that the Federal Government would support the families of the fallen officers, saying that the welfare of their dependants would remain a priority for government.

"The sacrifice of those three brave men will not be in vain," Shettima stated.

"Their children will be our children. Their welfare will be our responsibility."

He added that the government would not allow criminal groups to undermine critical national institutions or weaken public confidence in the country's security architecture.

Describing NIPSS as Nigeria's foremost policy and leadership institute, Shettima said the facility occupies a unique position in national development and must be protected accordingly.

He noted that the attackers may have intended to spread fear and disrupt the training of future leaders but instead encountered resilience and discipline from staff, participants and security personnel.

"When darkness came to the gates of this institute, it expected to find people who would scatter into the night," he said.

"It found instead men and women who stood their ground."

The Vice President praised participants of Senior Executive Course 48 for remaining calm throughout the incident, saying their conduct demonstrated the qualities expected of future national leaders.

Shettima also commended the Director-General of NIPSS, Prof. Ayo Omotayo, for coordinating the institute's response during the attack.

According to him, Omotayo's leadership ensured swift collaboration with the military and police, enabling reinforcements to secure the facility and account for all staff and participants.

"In a moment that tested this institute to its core, your calm command turned crisis into control," the Vice President said.

He also praised the Director of Studies, Barrister Nima Salman Mann, for helping to coordinate safety measures and maintain order during the emergency.

Earlier, Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang expressed appreciation to the Federal Government for its response to the incident and the Vice President's visit.

The governor announced approval for additional security measures around the institute, including the creation of a buffer zone and the installation of security lighting around the facility.

Mutfwang also paid tribute to the security personnel who lost their lives and commended the actions of staff and course participants during the attack.

In his remarks, NIPSS Director-General Prof. Ayo Omotayo described the Vice President's visit as a demonstration of the Federal Government's commitment to the institution.

While presenting an incident report, he warned that the attack highlighted the vulnerability of critical government facilities across the country.

Omotayo appealed for enhanced surveillance infrastructure, including closed-circuit television cameras and additional deployment of security personnel to strengthen protection around the institute.

Representatives of the Senior Executive Course 48 participants, Dr Toyin Sanni and Dr Kabiru Abba, also expressed appreciation for the government's response and reaffirmed their commitment to completing the programme despite the security challenge.

The National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies is widely regarded as Nigeria's premier policy think tank and leadership training institution, providing strategic training for senior public and private sector officials.