By Chuks Oyema-Aziken
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI, in conjunction with personnel of the Nigeria Police Mobile Force, have foiled an attempted mass abduction by suspected ISWAP terrorists at the Federal Government Girls College, Monguno in Borno State.
The incident occurred at about 1:30 a.m. on Saturday, 19 July 2026. The FGGC facility is currently being used by the Borno State Government as temporary hostel accommodation for students of the Federal Polytechnic, Monguno.
Captain Mohammed Goni, the Acting Military Information Officer, Operation HADIN KAI, said the terrorists gained access to the school with the help of suspected collaborators.
Giving details of the operation, Captain Goni, said alert security personnel engaged the attackers with overwhelming firepower.
“The Sector 3 Quick Reaction Force immediately reinforced the school. Confronted by the superior combat capability and determined resistance of the security forces, the terrorists were forced to abandon their criminal mission and flee in confusion,” Goni said
Goni added that parts of the school infrastructure sustained damage during the encounter, but the situation was quickly contained by troops working with police personnel.
He disclosed that all 46 students were rescued and evacuated to Kinnasara Barracks, Monguno, where they received immediate medical attention. “All rescued students have been confirmed medically stable and no student was abducted. Regrettably, some students were fatally struck by sporadic gunfire from the terrorists during the firefight,” he stated.
The military officer said Operation HADIN KAI extends its condolences to the families of the deceased, and assured that measures are being taken with the Borno State Government to safeguard residents and protect public institutions.
Goni further revealed that exploitation of the incident is ongoing to identify and apprehend suspected collaborators, while troops are actively tracking the fleeing terrorists.
He reiterated the commitment of the Theatre Command to sustaining pressure on terrorist elements and ensuring that schools and critical infrastructure across the North East remain safe.
