Troops of Operation HADIN KAI, backed by operatives 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, rescuing 46 students after a fierce gun battle.
The attack reportedly occurred at about 1:30 a.m. on Saturday when the insurgents stormed the school, which is currently serving as a temporary hostel for students of the Federal Polytechnic, Monguno.
Security sources said the terrorists allegedly gained access to the premises with the assistance of suspected collaborators and attempted to whisk away the students.
However, security personnel stationed at the school responded immediately, engaging the attackers in a gunfight while the Sector 3 Quick Reaction Force (QRF) swiftly reinforced the location.
The coordinated resistance forced the terrorists to abandon the operation and flee without succeeding in abducting any of the students.
Although parts of the school infrastructure were damaged during the exchange of gunfire, security forces successfully prevented what could have become another large-scale school abduction in the North-East.
Following the operation, all 46 students were evacuated to Kinnasara Barracks in Monguno, where they underwent medical examinations and received necessary care.
Security sources confirmed that all the rescued students were medically stable.
However, the attack was not without casualties, as some students were reportedly killed after being struck by stray bullets fired by the fleeing terrorists during the gun battle.
Military authorities expressed condolences to the families of the victims and assured residents that security had been strengthened around schools and other critical facilities across the North-East.
The military also disclosed that investigations were underway to identify and apprehend suspected collaborators believed to have aided the attackers’ entry into the school.
Meanwhile, troops and other security agencies have launched pursuit operations to track down the fleeing terrorists.
Operation HADIN KAI reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining offensive operations against terrorist groups while ensuring that schools and communities across the North-East remain protected from further attacks.
