Assailant Killed, Stolen Service Rifle Recovered As Army Foils NIPSS Attack
Troops of Sector 6, Joint Task Force Operation ENDURING PEACE (JTF OPEP), in the early hours of Thursday, 2 July 2026, thwarted an attack by suspected armed criminal elements on guard location at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, in Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State. 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 gun shots wounds towards the surrounding high ground. No casualties were sustained by the troops.
Following the encounter, troops recovered an AK-pattern rifle bearing Registration Number CO-3175 from the neutralised assailant. The rifle was loaded with sixteen rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition. 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, on 11 April 2026. 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 remains of the neutralised assailant have been evacuated to the mortuary through the appropriate authorities.
Troops have since intensified area domination patrols, clearance operations and active pursuit activities around NIPSS Kuru and adjoining communities. These measures are aimed at denying criminal elements any freedom of action and ensuring the continued safety of residents, staff and critical national assets. The situation remains firmly under control and normal activities within the Institute and the surrounding area continue without interruption.
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. Members of the public are encouraged to remain calm, continue with their lawful activities and promptly report any suspicious movement or activity to security agencies. Sustained public cooperation remains vital to the collective effort to enhance national security.
