Gunmen attacked the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies in Kuru, near Jos, on Plateau State last week. Three security personnel lost their lives in the assault.
Two soldiers and one police officer were killed. The federal government has now pledged comprehensive support for their families.
Vice President Kashim Shettima visited the institute on Friday to assess the damage. He came to offer condolences to those affected by the attack.
Speaking on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Shettima extended the government's deepest sympathies to the bereaved families. He also commended the Nigerian Armed Forces and Nigeria Police Force for their response.
The Vice President announced a major security upgrade at the facility. He'll personally donate 50 solar-powered units to improve nighttime lighting across the grounds.
Shettima said President Tinubu has ordered emergency security measures activated immediately. The Director-General of NIPSS will coordinate with the Armed Forces, Police, and DSS to strengthen the perimeter.
A comprehensive security action plan must be submitted within 72 hours. Weekly progress reports will follow until all work is completed.
The plan will cover surveillance systems, personnel deployment, access control, and emergency protocols. Shettima made clear Nigeria cannot afford another such incident.
He encouraged current participants at the institute to lead with dedication and resilience. Government support for NIPSS as a national institution remains unwavering, he stressed.
Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang attended the visit as well. He warned that had the attackers succeeded, the consequences would have been catastrophic.
Mutfwang praised the military personnel among the institute's participants for helping repel the attackers. Their bravery prevented a worse outcome, he noted.
He committed the state government to defending both the institute's borders and those of Plateau State. Resources will be devoted to this effort, he assured Shettima.
Mutfwang commended the participants for refusing to abandon their training despite the attack. Their resolve demonstrated the institute's importance, he observed.
The governor pledged to conduct an electricity survey at the facility. Government support for addressing power challenges will follow the assessment.
NIPSS Director-General Ayo Omotayo presented a detailed incident report to the Vice President. He appealed for additional security personnel to be deployed immediately.
Omotayo called for installation of CCTV cameras and other surveillance infrastructure around the institute. Modern security technology could prevent future breaches, he argued.
He noted that the attack exposed vulnerabilities at critical government institutions nationwide. Improved security measures are now urgently needed across all such facilities.
