The incident reportedly occurred between midnight and 1:00 a.m. at the institute, regarded as Nigeria’s premier centre for policy and strategic studies.
A source familiar with the development, who spoke on condition of anonymity for security reasons, said the assailants invaded the facility under the cover of darkness, damaged a section of the perimeter fence and opened fire on security personnel stationed at the institute.
According to the source, two soldiers and a police officer were allegedly killed during the attack, although security authorities had not officially confirmed the casualties as of the time of filing this report.
“The gunmen came between 12 midnight and 1 a.m. They broke part of the institute’s fence and shot at the security personnel on duty. Two soldiers and one policeman were killed before the attackers escaped,” the source said.
NIPSS confirmed that a security breach occurred around its premises but assured that the situation had been swiftly contained.
In a statement issued by the Head of the Public Affairs Department, Dr. Osime Samuel, the institute said security personnel and relevant agencies responded promptly to restore order.
“The situation was promptly brought under control through the swift response of security personnel and relevant security agencies. There is currently no threat to the safety of participants, staff, residents, or facilities of the Institute, and normal activities are continuing as scheduled,” he said.
The institute stated that investigations into the incident were ongoing and cautioned against speculation while security agencies work to establish the circumstances surrounding the attack.
NIPSS said it was collaborating closely with relevant security agencies and would make verified information available as investigations progress.
The institute also commended the efforts of security personnel involved in containing the attack and reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the safety of participants, staff and residents within the facility.
At the time of this report, security agencies had yet to issue an official statement regarding the reported fatalities or the identity of those responsible for the attack.