TROOPS FOIL ATTACK ON NIPSS, RECOVER STOLEN MILITARY RIFLE IN PLATEAU
Troops of Sector 6, Joint Task Force Operation ENDURING PEACE, have foiled an attempted attack on the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, in Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State, killing one suspected armed assailant and recovering a stolen military rifle.
The incident occurred at about 12:10 a.m. on Thursday when suspected armed criminals attempted to infiltrate the institute's perimeter under the cover of darkness. The troops, who were on guard duty, engaged the attackers in a gun battle, killing one of the suspects, while others reportedly escaped with gunshot wounds into nearby hills.
Military authorities confirmed that no soldier was injured during the encounter.
Following the operation, troops recovered an AK pattern rifle bearing registration number CO 3175, loaded with 16 rounds of 7.62 mm Special ammunition.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the weapon belonged to a Nigerian Army soldier who was killed in action during a clash with unidentified militia members at the Federal College of Land Resources Technology, Vom, on 11 April 2026. The recovered rifle has been taken into military custody for further investigation into possible links between the assailants and earlier attacks within the Kuru and Vom axis.
The body of the deceased suspect has been evacuated to a mortuary through the appropriate authorities.
In the aftermath of the attack, troops intensified patrols, clearance operations, and search efforts around NIPSS Kuru and neighbouring communities to track down the fleeing suspects and prevent further security breaches.
The Nigerian Army stated that the security situation around the institute remains stable, with normal activities continuing uninterrupted.
Reaffirming its commitment to safeguarding strategic national assets and protecting lives, the Army urged residents to remain calm, go about their lawful activities, and promptly report suspicious persons or movements to security agencies to strengthen ongoing efforts to maintain peace and security across Plateau State.
