President Bola Tinubu has ordered the immediate reinforcement of security at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, Plateau State.
The directive made during a visit to participants of Senior Executive Course (SEC) 48 on Friday, followed a recent bandit attack on the institution’s perimeter that claimed the lives of two soldiers and a police officer, according to a statement by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Stanly Nkwocha.
Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, Tinubu directed the activation of emergency security measures and pledged government support for the families of the fallen security personnel.
Shettima said the Director-General of NIPSS had been instructed to work closely with the Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS) to immediately fortify the institute’s perimeter and prevent future attacks.
He further directed that a comprehensive security reinforcement plan covering surveillance system, personnel deployment, access control and emergency response mechanisms be submitted to the Office of the Vice President within 72 hours, with weekly progress reports to follow until completion.
The VP said the institution’s protection must remain a national security priority. He also conveyed the condolences of the Federal Government to the families of the slain officers, assuring them that the sacrifices of their loved ones would not be forgotten.
“The sacrifice of those three brave men will not be in vain. Their children will be our children. Their welfare will be our responsibility,” he said.
Shettima further stated that the attack was aimed at creating fear and disrupting the training of future national leaders but instead exposed the courage and resilience of participants, management and security personnel at the institute.
He commended SEC 48 participants for remaining calm during the incident, noting that their conduct under pressure demonstrated leadership qualities expected of future national leaders.
The Vice President praised the Director-General of NIPSS, Prof. Ayo Omotayo, for his leadership and swift coordination with security agencies, which ensured the rapid deployment of reinforcements and the safety of participants and staff.
“In a moment that tested this Institute to its core, your calm command turned crisis into control. On behalf of the President and the nation, I thank you,” the Vice President said.
Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State, who accompanied the Vice President, expressed appreciation for the Federal Government’s support following the attack. He also approved requests by NIPSS management for the establishment of a buffer zone around the institution and the installation of security lights as part of measures to strengthen security.
Earlier, Omotayo presented an incident report and called for additional surveillance infrastructure, including CCTV cameras, as well as increased deployment of security personnel to safeguard the institution.
Representatives of SEC 48 participants, Dr. Toyin Sanni and Dr. Kabiru Abba, said the visit had reassured participants of the government’s commitment to their safety and enabled them to remain focused on completing their programme.
(The Whistler)
