Shettima Visits NIPSS to Assess Security Situation After Attack

Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima, on Friday paid a visit to the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) in Kuru, Plateau State, days after gunmen launched a deadly attack on the nation’s foremost policy institution.

The visit comes in the wake of Tuesday’s assault on the institute, an incident that raised fresh concerns about security around critical national facilities and claimed the lives of security personnel deployed to protect the area.

According to officials, the Vice President’s visit was aimed at conducting an on-the-spot assessment of the institute’s operations, facilities, and ongoing programmes following the attack.

Shettima was accompanied by Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang and other senior government officials during the visit.

Upon arrival, the delegation was received by the Director-General of NIPSS, Professor Ayo Omotayo, alongside members of the institute’s management team.

The visit is also seen as part of the Federal Government’s efforts to reassure both the institution and residents of the surrounding community that measures are being intensified to strengthen security and maintain stability in the area.

Gunmen attacked the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies in the early hours of Tuesday, sparking concerns over the safety of one of Nigeria’s most strategic research and leadership development centres.

Following the incident, NIPSS management confirmed that security personnel and relevant agencies swiftly responded, preventing a wider security breach within the facility.

The institute maintained that normal academic and administrative activities continued despite the attack.

While the institution escaped major disruption, the attack turned deadly.

The Plateau State Police Command later confirmed that three security operatives lost their lives during the confrontation with the attackers.

The confirmation was made by the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, SP Alfred Alabo, who disclosed that investigations into the incident had commenced immediately after the attack.

Providing an update on the security situation, NIPSS Director-General, Professor Omotayo, revealed on Thursday that several suspects had already been arrested in connection with the attack.

He stated that security agencies were continuing investigations with the aim of identifying and prosecuting all those responsible for the assault.

Shettima’s visit is expected to send a strong signal of federal support for the institution, which has long served as a training ground for senior government officials, policymakers, military officers, and strategic leaders across the country.

The Vice President’s presence also underscores the government’s commitment to preventing further attacks on key national institutions and ensuring that those behind the violence are brought to justice.

With investigations ongoing and arrests already made, authorities say efforts are being intensified to restore confidence and reinforce security around the institute and other critical facilities nationwide.