Tinubu Orders Permanent Security Reinforcement at NIPSS after Deadly Attack

Shettima Gives DG 72 Hours to Submit Comprehensive Security Plan

Malik Yahya/

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered the immediate and permanent reinforcement of security at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, Plateau State, following the recent attack on the institution’s perimeter that claimed the lives of two soldiers and a police officer.

NewsmakersNG broke the news of the attack early on Tuesday.

Vice President Kashim Shettima conveyed the President’s directive on Friday during a visit to the institute, where he met with management, staff, participants of the Senior Executive Course (SEC) 48, 2026, and residents of the community.

Addressing participants, Shettima said the Federal Government would not allow criminal elements to undermine strategic national institutions that play critical roles in governance, leadership development and policy innovation.

“The recent incident has only strengthened our resolve to protect national institutions, support our security personnel, and ensure future attacks do not catch us unprepared,” the Vice President said.

Vice President Kashim Shettima and Governor Mutfwang with Prof Ayo Omotayo inspecting the site of the fatal security breach at NIPSS

He also conveyed President Tinubu’s condolences to the families of the two soldiers and one police officer who were killed while defending the institute during the attack.

As part of emergency measures approved by the President, Shettima directed the Director-General of NIPSS, Professor Ayo Omotayo, to work with the Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS) and other relevant agencies to develop a comprehensive security action plan for the institute.

The proposed plan, he said, must cover enhanced surveillance systems, increased security personnel deployment, stricter access control measures, improved perimeter protection and critical emergency infrastructure.

The Vice President gave the institute 72 hours to submit the plan to the Office of the Vice President for immediate consideration and implementation.

In his welcome address, Professor Omotayo described the attack as an assault on one of Nigeria’s most important strategic institutions, noting that NIPSS has contributed significantly to leadership development, national integration, policy formulation and strategic research for nearly five decades.

While commending security personnel for successfully repelling the attackers, he said the incident exposed vulnerabilities arising from the vast expanse of the institution and evolving security threats.

He appealed to the Federal Government for a special security intervention package, including an integrated CCTV surveillance system, additional security personnel, patrol vehicles, solar-powered perimeter lighting and the establishment of security buffer zones around the institute.

Despite the attack, Omotayo assured the Vice President that NIPSS remains fully operational and that all academic and strategic programmes are continuing without disruption.

Speaking on behalf of participants of Senior Executive Course 48, Dr. Kabir Abba and Dr. Toyin Sanni recounted the traumatic experience of the attack, saying the prompt response of the institute’s management and security agencies helped restore confidence among participants and their families.

They reaffirmed their commitment to the objectives of the course and pledged to remain focused despite the security breach.

Plateau State Governor, Barrister Caleb Mutfwang, paid tribute to the fallen security personnel and pledged the state’s support through improved street lighting, enhanced patrol operations and closer collaboration with federal security agencies.

He stressed that protecting strategic national assets such as NIPSS remains a priority for his administration.

The visit underscored the commitment of both the Federal and Plateau State Governments to ensuring that NIPSS remains secure and continues to fulfil its mandate as Nigeria’s foremost centre for policy research, strategic studies and leadership development.