Troops of Operation HADIN KAI, in collaboration with operatives of the Nigeria Police Mobile Force (MOPOL), have foiled an attempted mass abduction of students by suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists at the Federal Government Girls College (FGGC) in Monguno, Borno State.
The military disclosed that the attack occurred at about 1:30 a.m. on Sunday at the school, which is currently serving as temporary hostel accommodation for students of the Federal Polytechnic, Monguno.
In a statement issued by the Acting Military Information Officer of Operation HADIN KAI, Captain Mohammed Goni, the attackers reportedly gained access to the premises with the assistance of suspected collaborators before attempting to whisk away the students.
According to the military, security personnel on duty immediately engaged the terrorists in a fierce gun battle, while the Sector 3 Quick Reaction Force was deployed to reinforce the facility.
The swift response forced the assailants to abandon their operation and flee without successfully abducting any student.
Although sections of the school’s infrastructure sustained damage during the exchange of gunfire, the military confirmed that all 46 students in the hostel were rescued and safely evacuated to Kinnasara Barracks in Monguno for medical evaluation and necessary care.
The statement noted that all the rescued students were medically stable. However, it confirmed that some students lost their lives after being struck by bullets fired by the terrorists during the firefight.
Operation HADIN KAI expressed sympathy to the families of the deceased and assured the public that efforts were ongoing to identify and apprehend individuals suspected of assisting the attackers.
The military added that troops, supported by other security agencies, have launched a pursuit of the fleeing terrorists while investigations into the incident continue.
It reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining offensive operations against terrorist groups in the North-East and strengthening security around schools and other critical public facilities to prevent similar attacks.
