Troops of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) have repelled another attempted attack on the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies in Kuru, Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State, killing one suspected attacker and recovering a service rifle stolen during an earlier assault that claimed the life of a soldier.
The latest incident occurred in the early hours of Thursday, July 2, when armed assailants attempted to breach the institute’s security perimeter under the cover of darkness. Troops deployed to protect the strategic national institution engaged the attackers in a gun battle, preventing them from gaining access to the facility.
Military sources said one of the suspected attackers was killed during the exchange of fire, while the others fled towards the rocky terrain surrounding the institute, with some believed to have sustained gunshot wounds. No casualties were recorded among security personnel, and all participants, staff, residents and facilities within the institute remained unharmed.
A search of the slain suspect led to the recovery of an AK-pattern service rifle bearing registration number CO-3175, loaded with 16 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition. Preliminary military investigations established that the weapon had belonged to a Nigerian Army soldier who was killed on April 11, 2026, during an attack on troops at the Federal College of Land Resources Technology in Vom, Jos South Local Government Area.
The recovered rifle has been taken into military custody, while the suspect’s remains were evacuated through the appropriate authorities to a mortuary for further investigation. Troops have also intensified area domination patrols, surveillance and clearance operations around NIPSS and neighbouring communities as efforts continue to track down the fleeing attackers.
The latest assault marks the third attempted attack on the institute within a matter of weeks, underscoring persistent security concerns around one of Nigeria’s foremost policy and leadership institutions.
On June 16, gunmen attacked security personnel guarding the institute, killing two soldiers and a police officer. The attackers escaped with service weapons, prompting the Federal Government to order permanent reinforcement of security at the facility.
A subsequent attempted infiltration on June 29 was also foiled after security operatives detected suspicious movements around the institute, forcing the suspects to flee before gaining access.
Security officials believe the recovery of the stolen rifle could provide valuable leads in ongoing investigations into armed groups operating within the Kuru-Vom axis and may help establish links between recent attacks targeting security personnel in the area.
Operation Enduring Peace has reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining offensive operations against armed groups in Plateau State, while maintaining enhanced security around NIPSS and other critical national assets to prevent further attacks.
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