Nigerian Troops Foil Attack on NIPSS Jos, Kill Terrorist, Dismantle Logistics Base of Oil Thieve in the Southeast
Nigerian Troops of Sector 6, Joint Task Force Operation ENDURING PEACE (JTF OPEP), has in the early hours of Thursday, 2 July 2026, thwarted an attack by suspected terrorists who ad targeted the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, in Jos, Plateau State.
The terrorists attempted to breach the Institute’s perimeter in the midnight, at about 12:10 a.m according to military sources. They were, however, swiftly engaged by vigilant troops in a decisive exchange of fire, which resulted in the “neutralisation” of one of the attackers while the others fled with gun shots wounds towards the surrounding high ground. No casualties were sustained by the troops.
Following the encounter, troops recovered an AK-pattern rifle bearing Registration Number CO-3175 from the neutralised assailant. The rifle was loaded with sixteen rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition. Preliminary checks confirmed that the weapon belonged to a Nigerian Army soldier who was killed in action during an earlier encounter with unidentified militia elements at the Federal College of Land Resources Technology, Vom, on 11 April 2026. The recovered rifle is now in military custody as part of ongoing investigations into the incident and possible links to previous attacks in the Kuru-Vom axis. The remains of the neutralised assailant have been evacuated to the mortuary through the appropriate authorities.
Troops have since intensified area domination patrols, clearance operations and active pursuit activities around NIPSS Kuru and adjoining communities. These measures are aimed at denying criminal elements any freedom of action and ensuring the continued safety of residents, staff and critical national assets. The situation remains firmly under control and normal activities within the Institute and the surrounding area continue without interruption.
The Nigerian Army, through Operation ENDURING PEACE, have assured residents of Plateau State of its commitment to protecting lives, securing strategic national institutions and restoring lasting peace across the state.
The Army authorities also called on members of the public to remain calm, continue with their lawful activities and promptly report any suspicious movement or activity to security agencies. Sustained public cooperation remains vital to the collective effort to enhance national security.
In separate operation, Troops of 34 Artillery Brigade under Joint Task Force (JTF) South East (SE) Operation UDO KA have dismantled a gang of logistics suppliers to oil theft cartel in the Southeast and Niger Delta areas.
Troops also recovered a substantial cache of arms and ammunition during the intelligence-led operation in Imo State.
According to Army sources, the toops “acting on credible intelligence, troops conducted a deliberate search and raid operation along the Akpe Aggah–Egbema Forest axis in the early hours of 1 July 2026, leading to the arrest of a suspected armourer and logistics kingpin at Obiakpu Forest.
Preliminary findings indicate that the suspect served as the principal armourer for the criminal group responsible for attacks against oil installations and troops deployed in the Ohaji–Egbema area. The operation led to the recovery of a significant cache of weapons and ammunition, including one AK-47 rifle, one M4A1 carbine, one M16A2 rifle, six magazines, five pump-action guns, a locally fabricated pistol and a large quantity of assorted ammunition. The recovery represents a major disruption to the group’s operational capability and logistics chain.
The suspect is currently in custody and will undergo further investigation to facilitate follow-on operations aimed at identifying, apprehending and dismantling other members and collaborators of the criminal network.
The Nigerian Army reassures citizens of its relentless resolve to sustain aggressive operations against all criminal elements threatening national security and economic assets. Members of the public are encouraged to continue supporting ongoing operations by providing timely, credible and actionable information through established security channels.