Troops of Sector 6 of the Joint Task Force Operation ENDURING PEACE (JTF OPEP) have foiled a midnight attack by suspected armed criminals on the guard post of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, in Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The incident occurred at about 12:10 a.m. on Thursday, when the attackers allegedly attempted to breach the institute’s perimeter under the cover of darkness.
According to the military, vigilant troops swiftly engaged the assailants in a gun battle, neutralising one of the attackers, while others escaped with suspected gunshot wounds into the surrounding highlands. No soldier was injured during the encounter.
Troops recovered an AK-pattern rifle bearing Registration Number CO-3175 from the neutralised suspect.
The weapon, loaded with 16 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition, was confirmed to have belonged to a Nigerian Army soldier who was killed in action during an earlier clash with unidentified militia members at the Federal College of Land Resources Technology, Vom, on April 11, 2026.
The recovered rifle has been taken into military custody as investigations continue into the incident and possible links between the attackers and previous assaults in the Kuru-Vom axis.
The body of the slain suspect has been evacuated to a mortuary through the appropriate authorities.
Following the attack, troops intensified area domination patrols, clearance operations and pursuit of the fleeing suspects around NIPSS Kuru and neighbouring communities to prevent further criminal activities and safeguard residents, staff and critical national assets.
Military authorities said the situation is under control and normal activities at the institute and surrounding communities have continued without disruption.
The Nigerian Army, through Operation ENDURING PEACE, reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives, securing strategic national institutions and restoring lasting peace across Plateau State.
It also urged members of the public to remain vigilant, go about their lawful activities, and promptly report suspicious movements or activities to security agencies, stressing that public cooperation remains essential to strengthening national security.
