President Bola Tinubu has ordered the immediate and permanent strengthening of security at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies following a recent attack on the institution’s perimeter that claimed the lives of two soldiers and a police officer.
The directive was conveyed on Friday by Vice President Kashim Shettima during a condolence visit to the institute in Kuru, Plateau State, where he met with management, staff, participants of the Senior Executive Course 48, and residents affected by the incident.
Addressing participants at the institute, Shettima said the Federal Government would not tolerate threats to strategic national institutions responsible for shaping leadership, governance and policy direction in the country.
He conveyed President Tinubu’s condolences to the families of the slain security personnel, describing their sacrifice as a demonstration of courage and patriotism.
“The recent incident has only strengthened our resolve to protect national institutions, support our security personnel and ensure that future attacks do not catch us unprepared,” the Vice President stated.
As part of the government’s response, Shettima disclosed that President Tinubu had directed the Director-General of NIPSS to immediately work with the Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services and other relevant agencies to develop a comprehensive security enhancement plan.
According to him, the plan will include advanced surveillance systems, increased deployment of security personnel, stricter access control measures, reinforced perimeter protection and improved emergency response infrastructure.
He added that the proposal must be submitted to the Office of the Vice President within 72 hours for implementation.
Earlier, the Director-General of NIPSS, Ayo Omotayo, described the attack as a direct assault on one of Nigeria’s foremost policy and leadership institutions.
Omotayo noted that for nearly five decades, the institute had played a critical role in leadership development, strategic research, national integration and policy formulation, stressing that the attack underscored emerging security challenges confronting strategic national assets.
Although security operatives successfully repelled the attackers, he said the incident exposed vulnerabilities associated with the institute’s expansive landscape and evolving security threats.
He appealed for a special federal security intervention package, including an integrated Closed-Circuit Television surveillance system, additional security personnel, patrol vehicles, solar-powered perimeter lighting and the establishment of security buffer zones around the institution.
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The Director-General, however, assured the Vice President that the institute remained fully operational and that all academic and strategic programmes were continuing without disruption.
Speaking on behalf of participants of Senior Executive Course 48, Dr Kabir Abba and Dr Toyin Sanni recounted the trauma experienced during the attack, noting that many participants and their families were initially shaken by the incident.
They commended the swift intervention of security agencies and the institute’s management, saying the prompt response restored confidence and enabled participants to remain focused on the objectives of the programme.
The duo reaffirmed the commitment of participants to completing the course and contributing to national development despite the security breach.
Also speaking, Plateau State Governor Barr. Caleb Mutfwang paid tribute to the fallen security personnel and pledged the support of the state government toward securing the institute and surrounding communities.
Mutfwang announced plans to strengthen security through improved street lighting, enhanced patrol operations and closer collaboration with federal security agencies.
He described the protection of strategic national assets such as NIPSS as a shared responsibility requiring sustained cooperation between federal and state authorities.
