Troops of Sector VI Joint Task Force Operation “ENDURING PEACE”, foiled an attack by suspected armed assailants on the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, in Plateau.
The Nigerian Army disclosed this in a statement on its verified Facebook and “X” Handle on Thursday.
The army said the attack occurred at about 12:10 a.m. on Thursday when the assailants attempted to breach the institute’s perimeter under the cover of darkness.
It said vigilant troops swiftly engaged the attackers in a gun battle, neutralising one suspect, while others escaped with gunshot wounds towards the surrounding high ground.
The army said no casualty was recorded during the encounter.
It said troops recovered an AK-pattern rifle bearing registration number CO-3175 loaded with 16 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition from the neutralised suspect.
According to the army, preliminary investigations confirmed 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.
It added that the recovered rifle had been taken into military custody, while the remains of the neutralised suspect were evacuated to a mortuary through the appropriate authorities.
The army said troops had intensified area domination patrols, clearance operations and pursuit of the fleeing suspects around NIPSS Kuru and adjoining communities.
It said the measures were aimed at denying criminal elements freedom of action and ensuring the safety of residents, institute staff and other critical national assets.
The service reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives, securing strategic institutions and restoring lasting peace in Plateau, urging residents to report suspicious movements to security agencies.