Nigerian troops and police foiled an attempted mass abduction by suspected ISWAP terrorists at a girls’ school in Monguno, Borno State, early Sunday, rescuing all 46 students who were being held at the facility.
The attack took place around 1:30 a.m. at the Federal Government Girls College (FGGC), Monguno, which is currently serving as temporary hostel accommodation for students of the Federal Polytechnic, Monguno, on behalf of the Borno State Government.
According to a statement from Captain Mohammed Goni, Acting Military Information Officer of Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI, the terrorists gained access to the compound with help from suspected collaborators in a bid to abduct students. Security personnel from Operation HADIN KAI and the Nigeria Police Mobile Force (MOPOL) responded immediately, engaging the attackers with what the statement described as coordinated and overwhelming firepower. A Sector 3 Quick Reaction Force reinforced the school shortly after.
Facing sustained resistance, the terrorists abandoned the operation and fled without abducting any students. Parts of the school’s infrastructure were damaged in the exchange of gunfire.
All 46 students were evacuated to Kinnasara Barracks in Monguno, where they were assessed and are reported to be in stable medical condition. However, the military confirmed that some students were killed by stray gunfire during the firefight — the statement did not give a specific death toll.
Operation HADIN KAI offered condolences to the families of those killed and said security agencies are working with the Borno State Government to protect residents and public institutions in the region. Authorities said they are investigating the attack to identify and apprehend the suspected collaborators, while troops continue to track the terrorists who fled the scene.
The command reiterated its commitment to sustained pressure on terrorist groups operating in the North East and to securing schools and other critical infrastructure in the region.
