Troops of Sector 6 under Operation Enduring Peace have killed a suspected bandit and recovered a stolen rifle after foiling an attempted attack on the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru, in Jos South council area of Plateau.

The Nigerian Army disclosed this in a statement on Thursday, saying the troops repelled the attack after the assailants attempted to breach the institute’s perimeter at about 12:10 a.m.

“They were swiftly engaged by vigilant troops in a decisive exchange of fire, resulting in the neutralisation of one of the attackers while the others fled with gunshot wounds towards the surrounding high ground,” it said.

The army added that no casualties were recorded among 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,” the statement added.

According to the army, preliminary checks confirmed that the weapon belonged to a Nigerian Army soldier who was killed in action during an earlier encounter with unidentified militia members at the Federal College of Land Resources Technology, Vom, on April 11, 2026.

The statement said 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,” it said.

The army added that the measures are aimed at denying criminals freedom of action and ensuring the continued safety of residents, staff and critical national assets.