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, in Borno State, rescuing 46 students after a fierce gun battle in the early hours of Sunday.
The attempted attack, which occurred at approximately 1:30 a.m. on July 19, 2026, ended with the terrorists fleeing under sustained military pressure. However, the military confirmed that some students were killed after being struck by sporadic gunfire during the exchange of fire, although the exact number of fatalities has not yet been officially disclosed.
The school is currently serving as temporary hostel accommodation for students of the Federal Polytechnic, Monguno, under an arrangement by the Borno State Government.
According to a statement issued on Sunday by the Acting Military Information Officer of Operation HADIN KAI, Captain Mohammed Goni, preliminary investigations indicate that the attackers gained access to the premises with the assistance of suspected collaborators.
“The terrorists reportedly gained access to the facility with the assistance of suspected collaborators in an attempt to abduct students,” the statement said.
Security personnel stationed at the school immediately engaged the terrorists with coordinated firepower while the Sector 3 Quick Reaction Force (QRF) rapidly reinforced the location.
Military authorities said the swift response prevented what could have become another large-scale school abduction in Nigeria’s North-East.
“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 without achieving their objective,” Captain Goni stated.
Following the operation, troops evacuated all 46 students to Kinnasara Barracks in Monguno, where they received immediate medical examinations and treatment.
Military authorities confirmed that every rescued student was medically stable and that no student was successfully abducted despite the attackers’ objective.
However, the military described the deaths recorded during the incident as deeply regrettable, saying the victims were struck by indiscriminate gunfire fired by the terrorists during the firefight.
Operation HADIN KAI extended condolences to the bereaved families and assured residents that additional measures are being implemented to strengthen the security of schools and public institutions across the North-East.
Sources familiar with the operation said portions of the school infrastructure sustained damage during the exchange of gunfire.
Despite the destruction, security forces successfully contained the attack before the terrorists could gain full control of the facility or remove any students.
The coordinated response involved personnel from both the Nigerian Army and the Nigeria Police Mobile Force, whose rapid deployment forced the attackers to retreat after a brief but intense firefight.
Security agencies have launched an extensive investigation into allegations that insiders or local collaborators facilitated the terrorists’ access to the school.
Military authorities disclosed that exploitation of intelligence recovered after the attack is ongoing to identify and apprehend those suspected of aiding the operation, while troops have commenced pursuit operations aimed at tracking down the fleeing terrorists.
“Exploitation of the incident is ongoing to identify and apprehend the suspected collaborators, while troops and other security agencies are actively tracking the fleeing terrorists,” the statement added.
The attempted abduction highlights the persistent threat posed by ISWAP and other terrorist groups operating in Nigeria’s North-East, particularly against educational institutions, despite sustained military offensives in the region.
School attacks have remained a major security concern over the past decade, with armed groups repeatedly targeting students for mass kidnappings, ransom demands and propaganda purposes. Authorities say protecting schools has become a central component of ongoing counter-insurgency operations.
Reaffirming its commitment to the campaign against insurgency, Operation HADIN KAI said it would continue sustained offensive operations designed to dismantle terrorist networks, deny insurgents freedom of movement, and secure educational institutions and other critical infrastructure throughout the North-East.
“Our resolve remains steadfast in sustaining relentless pressure on terrorist elements, denying them freedom of action, dismantling their operational capability, and ensuring that educational institutions and other critical infrastructure across the North-East remain safe and secure,” the military said.