Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Troops of Sector 6 under Operation Safe Haven have arrested a suspected member of the Berom militia allegedly involved in the recent attack on the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) in Kuru, Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State, after he was discovered receiving treatment for a gunshot wound believed to have been sustained during the assault. The suspect, identified as Paul Kolsen, was apprehended at approximately 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, 5 July 2026, at Farm Centre following credible intelligence received by security operatives. According to security sources cited by counter-insurgency expert Zagazola Makama, Kolsen is alleged to be a member of a Berom militia group linked to the attack on the NIPSS facility. His arrest marks another significant breakthrough in the ongoing investigation into the assault, following the apprehension of other suspects in recent days.
The latest arrest follows an attempted attack on NIPSS on Thursday, 2 July 2026, during which troops engaged suspected militia members in a fierce gun battle. Security sources said one suspect was killed during the encounter, while others fled into the surrounding rocky terrain. Troops subsequently launched follow-up operations and intelligence-gathering missions aimed at identifying and apprehending the fleeing suspects, operations that have reportedly resulted in a series of arrests. During the July 2 operation, troops also recovered a service rifle bearing registration number CO-3175. Military authorities reportedly traced the weapon to a soldier who was killed during an earlier attack on troops at the Federal College of Land Resources Technology, Vom, on 11 April 2026.
The discovery of the stolen service rifle has prompted security agencies to widen their investigation into possible links between the recent attacks on security personnel and facilities within the Kuru-Vom axis. Investigators are examining how the military weapon allegedly moved from the scene of the April attack in Vom to persons involved in the attempted assault on NIPSS. Security authorities believe the outcome of the investigation could help establish whether the incidents were carried out by members of the same network or by groups with operational links. Preliminary findings indicate possible links between the recent attacks on security personnel operating along the Kuru–Vom axis and the attempted assault on the NIPSS facility, raising concerns over what investigators believe may be a coordinated campaign against security formations and strategic national institutions in the area.
The attack on NIPSS is the latest in a series of security breaches targeting the prestigious national institution. On 16 June 2026, three security operatives—two soldiers and a police officer—were killed by gunmen during an attack on the institute. Less than three weeks later, on 2 July, another attempted attack was repelled by security personnel. The National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, located in Kuru, Plateau State, is Nigeria's foremost policy and strategic research institution, making it a high-value target for armed groups. The recurring attacks have prompted President Bola Tinubu to order security reinforcement at the facility. In a statement following the June attack, the President extended condolences to the families of the fallen security operatives and reaffirmed the Federal Government's commitment to protecting critical national assets.
Meanwhile, troops of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) have also arrested two other suspects in connection with the NIPSS attack. According to a statement by the security outfit's spokesperson, Captain Polycarp Oteh, the suspects were apprehended at about 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, 4 July 2026, at the Trade Center axis of Kuru during an intelligence-led operation. One of the suspects, identified only as Aboi, was first arrested and, following intense interrogation, led operatives to the second suspect. The suspects are currently in custody and are being interrogated to aid security agencies in identifying and arresting other fleeing members of the criminal network. The arrests followed a series of attacks on the NIPSS facility that have resulted in the killing of about four people, including security operatives.
Paul Kolsen is currently in military custody and is undergoing further interrogation to determine the extent of his alleged involvement in the attempted attack on NIPSS and to assist security agencies in identifying and apprehending other suspected members of the group. Security authorities said intelligence-driven operations remain ongoing across Kuru, Vom and surrounding communities as troops intensify the search for other suspects believed to have participated in the attack. The latest arrest underscores the military's renewed offensive against armed groups operating in Plateau State, with security agencies vowing to sustain operations until those responsible for attacks on security personnel, public institutions and civilian communities are brought to justice. As the investigation continues, authorities are examining evidence recovered during the operations, including the stolen service rifle, which they believe could provide critical leads in uncovering the criminal network responsible for the coordinated attacks in the Kuru-Vom axis.
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