Tension has gripped the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) following a Monday night attack by gunmen that resulted in the deaths of two soldiers and a police officer.
The victims were reportedly stationed at the staff quarters of the elite institute when they were ambushed by the gunmen.
Emerging reports suggest the attack was not random. Sources within the institute revealed that the gunmen targeted the homes of high-ranking officials, including the Acting Director of Studies, Barrister Nima Salman-Mann, and Directing Staff, Professor Haruna Dabin.
The assault follows a chilling ultimatum delivered via handwritten notes found on the victims’ doors on Saturday, demanding payments of $100,000 and ₦15 million.
NIPSS Reacts
In a statement released Tuesday, Dr. Osime Samuel, Head of Public Affairs at NIPSS, confirmed the breach but sought to reassure the public.
“The situation was brought under control through the swift response of security personnel,” Samuel said. “There is currently no threat to the safety of participants, staff, residents, or facilities. Normal activities are continuing as scheduled.”
Security Response
Witnesses say the security personnel died during a heavy shootout with the attackers, who eventually fled the scene. While the institute claims the environment is now safe, the bodies of the slain soldiers and officer have been deposited at a local mortuary.
Security agencies have cordoned off the area and launched a full-scale investigation into the breach at one of Nigeria’s most sensitive policy institutions.
