President Bola Tinubu has ordered an immediate reinforcement of security at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, Plateau State, following a deadly bandit attack on the institution’s perimeter that claimed the lives of two soldiers and a police officer.
The directive was delivered on Friday by Vice President Kashim Shettima during a visit to participants of the Senior Executive Course (SEC) 48 on behalf of the President. The move comes as the Federal Government intensifies efforts to secure one of the country’s foremost leadership and policy training institutions.
According to a statement by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Stanley Nkwocha, Tinubu ordered the immediate activation of emergency security measures and pledged government support for the families of the slain security personnel.
Shettima disclosed that the Director-General of NIPSS, Prof. Ayo Omotayo, has been directed to work closely with the Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police Force, and the Department of State Services (DSS) to strengthen security around the institution and prevent future attacks.
The Vice President also ordered the submission of a comprehensive security reinforcement plan within 72 hours. The plan is expected to address surveillance systems, personnel deployment, access control measures, and emergency response mechanisms, with weekly progress reports to be submitted thereafter.
Describing the protection of NIPSS as a national security priority, Shettima conveyed the Federal Government’s condolences to the families of the fallen officers, assuring them that their sacrifices would not be forgotten.
“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 said.
Shettima noted that while the attack was intended to instill fear and disrupt the training of future national leaders, it instead revealed the resilience, courage, and discipline of participants, management, and security personnel at the institute.
He commended members of SEC 48 for remaining calm throughout the incident, describing their conduct as a reflection of the leadership qualities expected of those preparing for national service.
The Vice President also praised Prof. Omotayo for his decisive leadership and swift coordination with security agencies, which enabled rapid reinforcement and ensured the safety of participants and staff.
“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,” Shettima said.
Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State, who accompanied the Vice President, expressed appreciation for the Federal Government’s intervention and approved requests by NIPSS management for the creation of a buffer zone around the institution and the installation of additional security lighting.
Earlier, Prof. Omotayo presented an incident report and called for enhanced surveillance infrastructure, including CCTV coverage and increased deployment of security personnel to strengthen protection around the institute.
Representatives of SEC 48 participants, Dr. Toyin Sanni and Dr. Kabiru Abba, said the Vice President’s visit had reassured participants of the government’s commitment to their safety, allowing them to remain focused on completing their programme despite the recent security scare.
