Troops Foil Attempted Student Abduction at Borno School, Rescue 46 as Terrorists Flee

Security forces under Operation HADIN KAI, working alongside personnel of the Nigeria Police Mobile Force, have foiled an attempted abduction at the Federal Government Girls College (FGGC), Monguno, in Borno State, rescuing 46 students after a gun battle with suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters.

The attempted attack occurred at about 1:30 a.m. on Saturday, according to a statement issued by the Acting Military Information Officer of Operation HADIN KAI, Capt. Mohammed Goni.

The military explained that the FGGC premises are currently serving as temporary hostel accommodation for students of the Federal Polytechnic, Monguno, under an arrangement by the Borno State Government.

According to the statement, the attackers allegedly gained access to the school with the help of suspected collaborators and attempted to abduct students. Security personnel on duty responded immediately, while troops from the Sector 3 Quick Reaction Force (QRF) reinforced the operation.

Faced with sustained resistance from security forces, the attackers were forced to abandon the operation and flee without taking any of the students.

The military said 46 students were safely evacuated to Kinnasara Barracks in Monguno, where they received medical examinations and appropriate care. Authorities confirmed that all the rescued students were medically stable.

However, the operation was not without casualties. The military disclosed that some students lost their lives after being struck by gunfire during the exchange, while parts of the school infrastructure also sustained damage.

Operation HADIN KAI extended condolences to the families of the deceased and said investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend individuals suspected of assisting the attackers. Troops and other security agencies are also continuing efforts to track down the fleeing suspects.

The military reaffirmed its commitment to protecting schools and other critical public facilities across the North-East, stressing that operations against terrorist groups in the region will continue.