Security operatives at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies in Kuru, Plateau State, on Wednesday night foiled another attempted attack by suspected gunmen, killing one of the assailants during a gun battle.

The attackers reportedly attempted to breach the institute’s security perimeter at about 11 p.m. but were repelled by security personnel after a fierce exchange of gunfire.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the institute’s Head of Public Affairs, Dr Osime Samuel, said the security operatives responded swiftly and prevented the attackers from gaining access to the premises.

He said one of the suspected attackers was killed during the encounter, while several others escaped with gunshot wounds.

“The attackers engaged security personnel in a fierce exchange of gunfire but were forced to retreat following a swift and coordinated response by security forces.

“One of the assailants was neutralised during the encounter, while several others reportedly fled with varying degrees of injuries,” the statement read.

Samuel said the attackers failed to penetrate the institute’s security perimeter, adding that all participants of the Senior Executive Course, staff, residents and facilities remained safe.

He disclosed that security agencies had intensified efforts to apprehend the fleeing suspects while surveillance and other proactive security measures had been strengthened within and around the institute.

The latest incident comes weeks after suspected gunmen launched a similar attack on the institute in an unsuccessful attempt to gain access to its premises.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has appointed actor-turned-politician and chieftain of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, Kenneth Okonkwo, as his spokesperson.

This came weeks after the politician openly criticised the party’s choice of vice-presidential candidate for the 2027 general election.

Okonkwo disclosed the appointment in a statement posted on his official X handle on Thursday, where he expressed appreciation to Atiku for entrusting him with the role.

“I give God all the glory to be appointed by His Excellency Atiku Abubakar as his Spokesperson. I thank HE AA for the immense confidence reposed in me,” he wrote.

The former Labour Party, LP, presidential campaign spokesperson described the appointment as a reflection of Atiku’s inclusive leadership style, noting that the former vice president prefers dialogue and consensus-building rather than hostility toward associates who express differing opinions.

“Rather than pick offence against any of his associates for expressing genuine reservations of any action taken, HE AA always opts for dialogue and compromise that will engender solution to problems,” Okonkwo stated.

He revealed that discussions held with Atiku and other leaders of the ADC addressed concerns surrounding the political interests of the South-East despite what he described as limitations created by the Electoral Act, 2026.

“At a dialogue with HE AA and other well-meaning members of the African Democratic Congress, the interests of the South-East have been discussed and guaranteed within the existing challenges posed by the Electoral Act, 2026, and the realities on the ground,” he added.

Okonkwo also expressed gratitude to Kashim Imam, former ADC National Chairman Ralphs Nwosu, and Atiku’s Senior Special Assistant on Special Duties, Ekene Onwuka, for their contributions toward strengthening the party ahead of the 2027 elections.

“My sincere gratitude to my family, fans, and friends for their support and prayers, which God answered in covering my errors and colouring my efforts to pave way for this appointment. I still covet your prayers for wisdom, courage, provision, and protection needed to carry out this challenging post, which will usher in a glorious and great Nigeria,” he said.

The appointment comes shortly after Okonkwo publicly faulted the ADC’s selection of its vice-presidential candidate for the 2027 presidential election.

He had warned that reports suggesting the party was considering a candidate from the South-South region for the vice-presidential slot could deepen what he described as the continued marginalisation of the South-East in Nigeria’s political structure.

According to him, such a decision would further deny the South-East the opportunity of producing either the president or vice president, a situation he noted had persisted since 1999.