The Federal Government and the Plateau State Government have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening security at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, following a recent terrorist attack that claimed the lives of three security personnel.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima during a visit to the Institute on Friday, June 19, 2026, paid tribute to the fallen officers, describing them as national heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice in defence of Nigeria’s premier policy and leadership institution.
The President extended his condolences to the management, staff, participants, and families affected by the incident and assured them that emergency security measures had been activated to protect NIPSS and other critical national assets across the country.
Addressing staff and participants, Vice President Shettima commended the courage and resilience displayed during the attack, noting that their response reflected the leadership qualities and patriotism expected of those entrusted with shaping Nigeria’s future.
He stressed that while criminal elements may target physical infrastructure, they cannot undermine the mission and purpose of NIPSS, which has remained a leading centre for strategic thinking and leadership development for nearly five decades.
The Vice President announced that President Tinubu had directed the immediate reinforcement of security around the Institute and ordered the submission of a comprehensive security enhancement plan within 72 hours for implementation.
He also assured the families of the fallen officers that the Federal Government would support their welfare and that their sacrifices would never be forgotten.
As part of immediate interventions, Shettima donated 50 solar-powered lighting units to improve visibility and security within residential areas and other vulnerable locations across the Institute.
Plateau State Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang also praised the bravery of the security personnel and participants who resisted the attack, describing their actions as a courageous defence of a national institution and Nigeria’s collective heritage.
The governor reaffirmed the state’s commitment to protecting NIPSS and other federal institutions within the Kuru-Vom axis. He announced plans to enhance street lighting, provide logistical support, and strengthen security operations in collaboration with security agencies.
In his remarks, NIPSS Director-General, Professor Ayo Omotayo, expressed gratitude to President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima for their swift response and solidarity with the Institute.
He described the Vice President’s visit as a strong demonstration of the Federal Government’s commitment to the safety of personnel dedicated to national service.
While noting that the attack was successfully repelled, Omotayo lamented the loss of the three security officers and disclosed that NIPSS had commenced a comprehensive review of its security architecture in collaboration with relevant agencies.
The review, according to him, includes strengthening surveillance systems, enhancing perimeter security, revising operational procedures, and improving emergency response mechanisms.
He further appealed for Federal Government intervention to deploy an integrated surveillance system, upgrade lighting infrastructure, reinforce military presence, and establish protective buffer zones around the campus.
Participants of the Senior Executive Course (SEC) 48, represented by Kabiru Abba and Dr. Toyin Sanni, also recounted their experiences during the attack and expressed confidence in the renewed security measures being introduced.
They reaffirmed their commitment to completing the programme and delivering quality policy recommendations to President Tinubu, describing the Vice President’s visit as reassuring and a testament to the government’s commitment to their safety.
The visit underscored the determination of both the Federal and Plateau State governments to ensure that NIPSS continues to operate as a secure and resilient institution dedicated to leadership development, strategic policy research, and national progress.
