President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the immediate and permanent strengthening of security at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, Plateau State, following a recent bandit attack on the institute’s perimeter that claimed the lives of two soldiers and a police officer.
The President said the incident had reinforced the Federal Government’s resolve to secure strategic national institutions, support security personnel, and prevent future attacks.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, who represented President Tinubu during a visit to participants of Senior Executive Course (SEC) 48, 2026, at NIPSS on Friday, conveyed the government’s condolences to the families of the fallen officers.
According to Shettima, the President has ordered the activation of emergency security measures without delay and directed the Director-General of NIPSS to coordinate with the Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS) to strengthen security around the institute.
He disclosed that a detailed action plan and implementation timeline covering surveillance systems, personnel deployment, access control and emergency response measures must be submitted to the Office of the Vice President within 72 hours.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed that emergency security measures be activated immediately, with the Director-General working alongside the Armed Forces, the Police and the DSS to fortify the perimeter without delay,” the Vice President said.
He added that weekly progress reports would be required until all reinforcement measures are completed.
Describing NIPSS as Nigeria’s strategic intellectual and policy institution, Shettima said protecting the institute must remain a national security priority.
He said the attack was aimed at creating fear and disrupting the training of future leaders but instead highlighted the resilience and discipline of participants, management 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 the Nigeria Police Force, I extend our deepest condolences,” he said.
Shettima assured staff and participants that their safety remained non-negotiable and pledged government support for the families of the deceased officers.
“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 stated.
The Vice President praised participants of SEC 48 for remaining calm during the attack, describing their conduct as evidence of leadership under pressure.
He also commended NIPSS Director-General, Professor Ayo Omotayo, for coordinating with security agencies to secure the institute and account for all participants and staff during the incident.
Shettima further acknowledged the role played by the Director of Studies, Barrister Nima Salman Mann, in maintaining order and ensuring the safety of those on campus.
Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang, in his remarks, appreciated the Federal Government’s response and approved requests by NIPSS management for a security buffer zone and installation of security lights around the institution.
The governor also praised the courage of staff and course participants during the attack and reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to strengthening security around the institute.
Earlier, Professor Omotayo presented an incident report to the Vice President and appealed for additional surveillance infrastructure, including CCTV coverage and increased deployment of security personnel.
Representatives of SEC 48 participants, Dr Toyin Sanni and Dr Kabiru Abba, said the visit had reassured participants of government’s commitment to their safety and encouraged them to remain focused on completing the programme.
