Troops arrest suspected militia member linked to NIPSS attack in Plateau

Troops of Sector 6 have arrested another suspect allegedly linked to the recent attempted attack on the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State.

The suspect, identified as Paul Kolsen, was reportedly arrested at about 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 5, 2026, at Farm Centre following credible intelligence gathered by security operatives.

According to security analyst Zagazola Makama, who cited security sources, Kolsen was apprehended while receiving medical treatment for gunshot wound believed to have been sustained during the attempted attack on the prestigious national policy institution.

Security authorities described the arrest as another significant breakthrough in the ongoing investigation into the assault on NIPSS, as efforts intensify to identify and apprehend other members of the suspected criminal network.

The attempted attack occurred on July 2, 2026, when the troops engaged suspected Berom militia members in fierce gun battle around the institute. During the exchange of fire, one suspect was killed, while several others reportedly escaped into the surrounding rocky terrain.

During the operation, troops recovered a service rifle bearing registration number CO-3175. Military authorities said weapon had been stolen from a soldier who was killed during an earlier attack on troops deployed at the Federal College of Land Resources Technology, Vom, on April 11, 2026.

The recovery of the rifle has prompted security agencies to widen their investigations into possible links between the attacks on security personnel operating within Kuru-Vom axis and the attempted assault on the NIPSS facility.

Investigators believe the recovered weapon could provide crucial evidence in uncovering the network behind the coordinated attacks in the area.

Paul Kolsen is currently in the military custody undergoing further investigation to determine his alleged role in the attack and to assist security agencies in identifying and arresting other suspected members of the group.

Security authorities also confirmed that intelligence-led operations are continuing across the area as efforts intensify to dismantle the network allegedly responsible for the attack.

-9News Nigeria.