From Atiku Sarki, Abuja
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), in collaboration with personnel of the Nigeria Police Mobile Force (MOPOL), have foiled an attempted mass abduction by suspected ISWAP terrorists at the Federal Government Girls College (FGGC), Monguno, Borno State.
The incident occurred at about 1:30 a.m. on Saturday, July 19, 2026, at the FGGC facility, which is currently being used by the Borno State Government as temporary hostel accommodation for students of the Federal Polytechnic, Monguno.
This was contained in a statement issued in Abuja by the Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Operation Hadin Kai, Captain Mohammed Goni.
According to the statement, the terrorists reportedly gained access to the facility with the assistance of suspected collaborators in an attempt to abduct the students.
However, alert security personnel swiftly engaged the attackers with coordinated and overwhelming firepower, while the Sector 3 Quick Reaction Force (QRF) immediately reinforced the school.
The statement said the terrorists, overwhelmed by the superior firepower and determined resistance of the troops and police personnel, were forced to abandon their mission and flee without abducting any student.
Although parts of the school infrastructure were damaged during the exchange of gunfire, security forces successfully contained the attack.
Captain Goni said troops subsequently rescued and evacuated all 46 students to Kinnasara Barracks, Monguno, where they received immediate medical attention and appropriate care.
He confirmed that all the rescued students were medically stable and that no student was abducted. However, he disclosed that some students were tragically killed after being struck by sporadic gunfire fired by the terrorists during the firefight.
Operation Hadin Kai expressed its deepest condolences to the families of the deceased and reassured the public that every necessary measure is being taken, in collaboration with the Borno State Government, to protect lives and secure critical public institutions across the North-East.
The military also disclosed that investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend the suspected collaborators, while troops and other security agencies are actively pursuing the fleeing terrorists.
Operation Hadin Kai reiterated its commitment to sustaining pressure on terrorist groups, degrading their operational capabilities, and ensuring that schools and other critical infrastructure across the North-East remain safe and secure.