By Christiana Gokyo, Jos
The Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIG) in charge of Training and Development at the Force Headquarters, Abuja, DIG Isiaku Mohammed, has assured the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, of strengthened security measures following the recent attack on the institution that claimed the lives of two soldiers and a police officer.
DIG Mohammed gave the assurance during a condolence visit to the institute in Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State, where he met with participants of Senior Executive Course 48 and the management of the institution.
According to him, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) personally directed him to visit the institute to commiserate with the Director-General, management, and the entire NIPSS community over the tragic incident.
“The Inspector-General of Police sent me personally to commiserate with the institute and to let them know that they are not alone in this period of grief. The Nigeria Police Force is with them throughout this difficult time,” he said.
The DIG noted that the police leadership was deeply concerned about the loss of the police officer and the two soldiers who died while defending the institution from the attackers.
He disclosed that security agencies were conducting extensive assessments of the security situation within and around the institute to prevent a recurrence.
“A lot of work is being done in the background to ensure that such incidents do not happen again. We are reviewing the security architecture and processing recommendations for the Inspector-General of Police to further fortify the institution,” he stated.
Speaking to journalists after meeting with the Director-General, DIG Mohammed described NIPSS as a unique national institution that must be protected.
“We are in a place that hosts participants from across the country. The spirit and integrity of this institution cannot be compromised, and we are taking its security very seriously,” he said.
He advised participants and residents of the institute to remain security conscious by avoiding risky locations, particularly at night, and returning home early.
The DIG also revealed plans to establish a police outpost within the institute.
“The Director-General requested the establishment of a police post within the compound. I will discuss this with the Inspector-General of Police, and we are optimistic that a police outpost, staffed with officers and supported by patrol motorcycles, will soon be established to enhance security,” he added.
On his assessment of the security situation, DIG Mohammed commended both the police and the military for their swift response to the attack.
“The conventional police and the military have done a wonderful job in securing the environment. Nevertheless, we will continue to review the situation and strengthen security further,” he said.
Earlier, the Director-General of NIPSS, Prof. Ayo Omotayo, expressed appreciation for the support received from security agencies and government officials following the attack.
“We feel supported, relieved, and loved. On the night of the attack, everyone I called responded promptly. The Minister of Defence responded, the IGP responded, and the General Officer Commanding also responded,” he said.
Prof. Omotayo disclosed that the attackers had earlier issued threats and demanded one million dollars and N50 million from the institute.
“They told us they would come, and although we initially doubted the threat, we prepared ourselves. When they eventually came, our security personnel stood firm and successfully repelled the attack,” he explained.
He praised the courage of the police officers and soldiers who defended the institution, noting that their sacrifice prevented greater casualties.
“Unfortunately, we lost three members of the security forces. We pray that their families will be comforted and that their souls will rest in peace,” he said.
The DG added that investigations were ongoing and that security agencies had already made some arrests.
“There are several theories regarding the attack, but we do not want to speculate. The security agencies are investigating and interrogating suspects. We are confident that the truth will emerge,” he stated.
Despite the incident, Prof. Omotayo affirmed that academic activities at the institute remained uninterrupted.
“Our participants are attending classes, and our programmes are continuing as scheduled. For 48 years, NIPSS has remained resilient, even during the COVID-19 pandemic. This incident is only a temporary disruption, and we will continue to fulfil our mandate,” he said.
Also speaking, the Monitor-General of Senior Executive Course 48, Colonel Okechukwu Azike, thanked the DIG for the visit and the assurances given to participants.
“We are greatly reassured and comforted by your words. The proposed establishment of a police post within the institute is particularly encouraging.
“Our fears have been allayed, and we are confident that the security agencies are fully on top of the situation,” he said.
He added that participants now feel more secure and are committed to continuing their studies without fear.