Troops of Operation HADIN KAI, supported by officers of the Nigeria Police Mobile Force (MOPOL), successfully prevented an attempted mass abduction by suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists at the Federal Government Girls College in Monguno, Borno State.
Security forces rescued 46 students during the operation after the attackers reportedly stormed the school around 1:30 a.m. on Saturday. The suspects were believed to have gained entry into the premises with the help of individuals suspected of collaborating with them.
Authorities explained that the school is currently serving as temporary hostel accommodation for students of the Federal Polytechnic, Monguno.
During the exchange of gunfire between security personnel and the fleeing terrorists, some students tragically lost their lives after being hit by stray bullets. The identities of the deceased have not yet been officially confirmed.
According to the military, security operatives responded swiftly with coordinated firepower, while the Sector 3 Quick Reaction Force arrived to reinforce the operation, forcing the attackers to abandon their mission and flee without abducting any student.
Although parts of the school facilities sustained damage during the attack, the operation successfully prevented the planned kidnapping.
All 46 rescued students were evacuated to Kinnasara Barracks in Monguno, where they received medical attention and were confirmed to be in stable condition.
The military expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and assured residents that efforts are ongoing to strengthen security and protect communities and critical institutions across the North-East in collaboration with the Borno State Government.
Security agencies have also launched investigations to identify and arrest those suspected of aiding the terrorists, while efforts continue to track down the fleeing attackers.
The incident has once again raised concerns over the security of schools in Nigeria’s North-East, a region that has witnessed repeated attacks on educational institutions by insurgent groups over the years.
