Photos: Troops Arrest NIPSS Attack Suspect Receiving Gunshot Treatment

Troops have arrested another suspect allegedly linked to the recent attack on the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) in Kuru, Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State.

The suspect, identified as Paul Kolsen, was reportedly arrested while receiving treatment for a gunshot wound believed to have been sustained during the attack on the strategic national institution.

According to Zagagola Makama, security sources said troops of Sector 6 apprehended Kolsen at Farm Center at about 3.30pm on Sunday following intelligence received by security operatives.

According to the sources, the suspect is alleged to be a member of a Berom militia group linked to the attack on the NIPSS facility.

The sources said his arrest marked another breakthrough in the ongoing investigation into the assault, following the apprehension of other suspects in recent days.

Security operatives reportedly moved in on Kolsen after receiving intelligence that a person suspected of participating in the attack was undergoing treatment for a gunshot injury.

The wound was believed by investigators to have been sustained during the exchange of gunfire between troops and the attackers.

Kolsen was subsequently taken into custody and is being questioned over his alleged role in the attack and possible links to other suspects being sought by security agencies.

The latest arrest followed an attempted attack on NIPSS on July 2, during which troops engaged suspected militia members in a gun battle.

Security sources said one suspect was killed during the encounter, while others fled into nearby rocky terrain.

Troops subsequently launched follow-up operations and intelligence gathering aimed at identifying and apprehending the fleeing suspects.

The operations 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 killed during an attack on troops at the Federal College of Land Resources Technology, Vom, on April 11.

The discovery has prompted security agencies to widen their investigation into possible links between 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.