Troops of Operation HADIN KAI, working alongside personnel of the Nigeria Police Mobile Force, have successfully foiled an attempted mass abduction by suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists at the Federal Government Girls College (FGGC) in Monguno, Borno State.
The Nigerian military disclosed the development in a statement issued on Sunday by the Acting Military Information Officer of Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI, Captain Mohammed Goni.
According to the statement, the attack occurred at approximately 1:30 a.m. on Saturday when the suspected terrorists stormed the school premises. The FGGC facility is currently being used by the Borno State Government as a temporary hostel for students of the Federal Polytechnic, Monguno.
The military revealed that the attackers allegedly gained access to the school with the assistance of suspected collaborators, with the apparent aim of abducting students. However, vigilant security personnel on duty quickly detected the threat and responded with coordinated firepower, preventing the terrorists from carrying out their mission.
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Operation HADIN KAI said troops of the Sector 3 Quick Reaction Force (QRF) swiftly reinforced the security team, overwhelming the attackers with superior combat strength. Faced with fierce resistance from the combined military and police personnel, the terrorists abandoned their operation and fled the scene without abducting any student.
Although the exchange of gunfire caused damage to parts of the school infrastructure, security forces successfully contained the attack and secured the area.
Following the operation, all 46 students in the facility were safely rescued and evacuated to Kinnasara Barracks in Monguno, where they received immediate medical examinations and appropriate care. The military confirmed that every rescued student was medically stable and that no abduction took place.
However, the operation was not without tragedy. The military disclosed that some students lost their lives after being struck by sporadic gunfire fired by the fleeing terrorists during the confrontation. It expressed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for the repose of the victims’ souls.
Operation HADIN KAI further stated that investigations are underway to identify and apprehend suspected collaborators believed to have aided the attackers. Troops, supported by other security agencies, are also pursuing the fleeing terrorists to ensure they are brought to justice.
Reaffirming its commitment to restoring lasting peace across the North-East, the military pledged to sustain relentless operations against terrorist groups, dismantle their operational networks, and safeguard schools, public institutions, and communities from future attacks. It also assured residents that security agencies remain vigilant and determined to deny terrorists the freedom to threaten lives and disrupt education in the region.
