Troops foil ISWAP attack on Girls’ College, rescue 46 students in Borno

Troops of Operation HADIN KAI, supported by personnel of the Nigeria Police Mobile Force (MOPOL), have foiled an attempted mass abduction by suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists at the Federal Government Girls College (FGGC), Monguno, Borno State.

The military said 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, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI, Capt. Mohammed Goni, the military alleged that the terrorists gained access to the facility with the assistance of suspected collaborators and attempted to abduct the students.

According to the statement, security personnel immediately engaged the attackers, while troops from the Sector 3 Quick Reaction Force were deployed to reinforce the school.

The military said the terrorists were forced to flee after encountering superior firepower from the combined security team, abandoning the attempted abduction.

Although parts of the school were damaged during the exchange of gunfire, the military said the attack was successfully contained.

It added that all 46 students in the facility were rescued and evacuated to Kinnasara Barracks in Monguno, where they underwent medical examination and received appropriate care.

The statement confirmed that none of the students was abducted but disclosed that some students were fatally hit by stray bullets fired by the terrorists during the firefight. It did not specify the number of casualties.

Operation HADIN KAI extended its condolences to the families of the deceased and assured the public that efforts were being intensified to protect schools and other critical public facilities across the North-East.

The military also said investigations were underway to identify and apprehend suspected collaborators who allegedly aided the attackers, while troops and other security agencies had launched a manhunt for the fleeing terrorists.

It reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining military operations against terrorist groups and preventing attacks on educational institutions in the region.