Troops arrest gunman over NIPSS attack while receiving gunshot treatment in Plateau

Troops of Sector 6 of Operation Enduring Peace have arrested an additional suspected gunman linked to the recent attacks on the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) in Kuru, Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State, while he was receiving treatment for a gunshot wound.

The suspect, identified as Paul Kolsen, was arrested at about 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 5, at the Farm Centre area following an intelligence-led operation.

The latest arrest comes as security agencies intensify investigations into the attempted attack on the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS).

Counter-insurgency and security analyst Zagazola Makama stated that Kolsen was arrested while receiving treatment for a gunshot wound.

Makama said the injury was believed to have been sustained during the attack on the institute.

The arrest marks another breakthrough in the ongoing investigation into the assault on the NIPSS facility, following the arrest of other suspects in recent days.

The latest development follows the attempted attack on the strategic institution on Tuesday, July 2, during which troops engaged the attackers in a gun battle.

During the exchange, one of the attackers was killed, while several others escaped into the surrounding rocky terrain.

Troops also recovered a service rifle bearing registration number CO-3175, which investigations revealed had been stolen from a soldier killed during an earlier attack on troops deployed at the Federal College of Land Resources Technology, Vom, on Thursday, April 11.

Security agencies are investigating possible links between the recovered weapon, previous attacks on security personnel in the Kuru–Vom axis and the attempted assault on the NIPSS facility.

Kolsen is currently in military custody and is undergoing further investigation to determine his role in the attack and assist security agencies in identifying and apprehending other suspects.

Security authorities said intelligence-led operations are ongoing to track down other members of the group connected to the incident.