Troops of Sector 6, Joint Task Force Operation ENDURING PEACE (JTF OPEP), have foiled a midnight attack on the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, in Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State, killing one suspected assailant and recovering a service rifle stolen from a slain Nigerian Army soldier.
The attempted attack occurred at about 12:10 a.m. on Thursday when suspected armed criminals reportedly tried to breach the security perimeter of the country’s foremost policy institute under the cover of darkness.
According to the Nigerian Army, vigilant troops on guard duty responded swiftly, engaging the attackers in a fierce gun battle that left one of the assailants dead, while others escaped with suspected gunshot wounds into nearby highlands.
The Army said none of its personnel was injured during the encounter.
A search of the scene led to the recovery of an AK-pattern rifle bearing registration number CO-3175, loaded with 16 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition.
Military authorities disclosed that preliminary investigations confirmed the weapon belonged to a Nigerian Army soldier who was killed in action during an earlier clash with unidentified militia members at the Federal College of Land Resources Technology, Vom, on April 11, 2026.
The recovered rifle has been taken into military custody as investigations continue to determine possible links between the failed attack on NIPSS and previous violent incidents along the Kuru-Vom corridor.
The body of the neutralised suspect has been evacuated to a mortuary through the appropriate authorities.
In the aftermath of the attack, troops have intensified area domination patrols, clearance operations and pursuit of the fleeing suspects across NIPSS Kuru and neighbouring communities.
The Army said the operations are aimed at preventing further criminal activities, safeguarding residents, protecting personnel of the institute and securing critical national infrastructure.
It added that the security situation has been brought under control and normal activities at the institute and surrounding communities remain uninterrupted.
Reaffirming its commitment to restoring lasting peace in Plateau State, the Nigerian Army urged residents to remain vigilant, go about their lawful activities without fear and promptly report suspicious movements to security agencies, stressing that public cooperation remains crucial to sustaining security across the state.
