Troops of Sector 6, Joint Task Force Operation ENDURING PEACE (JTF OPEP), have foiled an 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, neutralising one of the attackers and recovering a service rifle previously stolen from the Nigerian Army.
According to the Nigerian Army, the attack occurred at about 12:10 a.m. on Thursday, July 2, 2026, when the assailants allegedly attempted to breach the institute’s perimeter under the cover of darkness.
The Army said vigilant troops on guard duty swiftly engaged the attackers in a gun battle, killing one of the suspects while others escaped with suspected gunshot wounds towards the surrounding high ground. No soldier was injured during the operation.
The Army 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 confirmed to belong to a Nigerian Army soldier who was killed in action during a clash with suspected militia members at the Federal College of Land Resources Technology, Vom, on April 11, 2026.
According to the statement, the recovered rifle has been taken into military custody as investigations continue to establish possible links between the attackers and previous incidents in the Kuru-Vom axis. The remains of the deceased suspect have been evacuated to a mortuary through the appropriate authorities.
The Army said troops have intensified area domination patrols, clearance operations and pursuit of the fleeing suspects around NIPSS Kuru and neighbouring communities to prevent further attacks and ensure the safety of residents, institute staff and other critical national assets.
It added that the security situation remains under control and that normal activities at the institute and surrounding communities have continued without disruption.
The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment, through Operation ENDURING PEACE, to protecting lives, safeguarding strategic national institutions and restoring lasting peace across Plateau State.
It also urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to security agencies, stressing that public cooperation remains essential to strengthening national security. #Securitynewsalert.com
