Troops of Sector 6, Joint Task Force Operation ENDURING PEACE (JTF OPEP), have repelled 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.

According to a statement by the Nigerian Army, the attackers attempted to breach the institute's perimeter at about 12:10 a.m. on Thursday but were met with heavy resistance from troops guarding the facility.

"The assailants attempted to breach the Institute's perimeter under cover of darkness at about 12:10 a.m. They were swiftly engaged by vigilant troops in a decisive exchange of fire, resulting in the neutralisation of one of the attackers while the others fled with gunshot wounds towards the surrounding high ground.

"No casualties were sustained by the troops," the statement said.

The Army disclosed that troops recovered an AK-pattern rifle bearing Registration Number CO-3175, loaded with 16 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition, from the neutralised suspect.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the weapon belonged to a Nigerian Army soldier who was killed in action during an earlier clash with suspected militia members at the Federal College of Land Resources Technology, Vom, on April 11, 2026.

"Preliminary checks confirmed that the weapon belonged to a Nigerian Army soldier who was killed in action during an earlier encounter with unidentified militia elements at the Federal College of Land Resources Technology, Vom.

"The recovered rifle is now in military custody as part of ongoing investigations into the incident and possible links to previous attacks in the Kuru-Vom axis," the Army stated.

The remains of the slain attacker have been evacuated to a mortuary, while troops have intensified patrols, clearance operations and pursuit of the fleeing suspects around NIPSS Kuru and neighbouring communities.

The Army assured residents that the situation is under control and normal activities at the institute have continued uninterrupted.

Reaffirming its commitment to security, the Army urged members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements to security agencies.

"The Nigerian Army, through Operation ENDURING PEACE, reaffirms its unwavering commitment to protecting lives, securing strategic national institutions and restoring lasting peace across Plateau State. Sustained public cooperation remains vital to the collective effort to enhance national security," the statement added.