Troops repel attack on NIPSS, eliminate assailant, recover rifle stolen from slain soldier
A suspected armed assailant has been neutralised by troops of Sector 6, Joint Task Force Operation ENDURING PEACE (JTF OPEP), following a failed attack on the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, in Jos South Local Government Area.
The Nigerian Army disclosed that the incident occurred at about 12:10 a.m. on Thursday, when suspected armed criminals attempted to breach the Institute’s perimeter under the cover of darkness.
According to the Army, vigilant troops on guard duty swiftly engaged the attackers in a gun battle, killing one of them while the others escaped with suspected gunshot wounds into the surrounding high ground. No soldier was injured during the encounter.
Military authorities said troops recovered an AK-pattern rifle with registration number CO-3175 from the neutralised suspect. The weapon, loaded with 16 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition, was later confirmed to be a service rifle belonging to a Nigerian Army soldier who was killed in action during an encounter with unidentified militia members at the Federal College of Land Resources Technology on April 11, 2026.
The recovered rifle has been taken into military custody as investigations continue to determine the circumstances surrounding its recovery and possible connections between the failed attack and previous security incidents in the Kuru-Vom axis.
The remains of the deceased suspect have been evacuated to a mortuary through the appropriate authorities.
Following the incident, troops intensified area domination patrols, clearance operations and pursuit of the fleeing suspects across NIPSS Kuru and neighbouring communities to prevent criminal elements from regrouping and to strengthen security around the strategic national institution.
The Army assured that the security situation in the area remains under control, noting that activities at the Institute and surrounding communities have continued without disruption.
Reaffirming its commitment to safeguarding lives and critical national assets, the Nigerian Army, through Operation ENDURING PEACE, urged residents to remain vigilant, go about their lawful activities without fear and promptly report any suspicious movement to security agencies.
The Army added that sustained public cooperation remains essential to ongoing efforts to improve security and restore lasting peace across Plateau State.
