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, killing one attacker and recovering a stolen Nigerian Army service rifle.

The attack occurred at about 12:10 a.m. on Thursday, July 2, when the gunmen attempted to breach the institute’s perimeter under the cover of darkness, the Nigerian Army said.

According to the Army, vigilant troops engaged the attackers in a fierce gun battle, neutralising one of the assailants while others fled into the surrounding high ground with suspected gunshot wounds. No soldier was injured during the encounter.

A search of the scene led to the recovery of an AK-pattern rifle bearing Registration Number CO-3175, loaded with 16 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition. Preliminary investigations revealed that the weapon belonged to a Nigerian Army soldier killed in action during an earlier encounter with unidentified militia elements at the Federal College of Land Resources Technology, Vom, on April 11, 2026.

The Army stated that the recovered rifle has been taken into military custody as investigations continue to determine possible links between the neutralised suspect and previous attacks in the Kuru–Vom axis. The remains of the deceased assailant have been evacuated to a mortuary through the appropriate authorities.

Following the operation, troops intensified area domination patrols, clearance operations and the pursuit of fleeing suspects around NIPSS Kuru and adjoining communities to prevent criminal elements from regrouping and strengthen security in the area.

Meanwhile, the Army has stated that the security situation remains under control, with normal activities continuing uninterrupted within the institute and surrounding communities, and reaffirmed its commitment, through Operation ENDURING PEACE, to protecting lives, safeguarding critical national institutions and restoring lasting peace across Plateau State, while urging residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements to security agencies.