Troops of Sector 6, Joint Task Force Operation ENDURING PEACE (JTF OPEP), have foiled an attempted attack by suspected armed criminals on the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, in Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State, killing one of the assailants and recovering a service rifle earlier stolen from a fallen Nigerian Army soldier.
The incident occurred at about 12:10 a.m. on Thursday when the gunmen allegedly attempted to breach the institute’s perimeter under the cover of darkness.
According to the Nigerian Army, vigilant troops guarding the facility responded swiftly, engaging the attackers in a fierce exchange of gunfire that resulted in the death of one suspect, while others escaped with suspected gunshot wounds into the surrounding highlands.
The Army said none of its personnel was injured during the encounter.
A subsequent search of the scene led to the recovery of an AK-pattern rifle bearing registration number CO-3175, loaded with 16 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition.
Preliminary investigations established that the weapon belonged to a Nigerian Army soldier who was killed in action during an earlier clash with unidentified militia elements at the Federal College of Land Resources Technology, Vom, on April 11, 2026.
Military authorities said the recovered rifle has been secured as investigators work to establish possible links between the foiled attack and previous security incidents within the Kuru-Vom axis.
The remains of the deceased suspect have been evacuated to a mortuary through the appropriate authorities.
Following the attack, troops intensified area domination patrols, clearance operations and pursuit missions around NIPSS, Kuru, and neighbouring communities to track down the fleeing suspects and prevent further criminal activities.
The Army said the operations are aimed at denying criminal elements freedom of movement while ensuring the safety of residents, personnel and critical national infrastructure in the area.
It added that security around the institute has been reinforced and normal activities at NIPSS and adjoining communities continue without disruption.
Reaffirming its commitment to safeguarding lives and strategic national assets, the Nigerian Army, through Operation ENDURING PEACE, assured residents that security forces remain fully deployed to sustain peace and stability across Plateau State.
The Army also urged members of the public to remain vigilant, go about their lawful activities without fear and promptly report suspicious movements or activities to security agencies to support ongoing efforts to strengthen security in the state.
