Troops and police rescued 46 students after foiling a suspected ISWAP attack on a school in Monguno, Borno, as investigations continue.
A coordinated security operation by troops of Operation Hadin Kai and officers of the Nigeria Police Mobile Force (MOPOL) has prevented what authorities described as a planned mass abduction at the Federal Government Girls College (FGGC) in Monguno, Borno State.
The attempted attack, which occurred in the early hours of Saturday, was reportedly carried out by suspected fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).
However, the swift response of security personnel forced the attackers to abandon their mission, leading to the successful rescue of 46 students.
Details of the operation were made public on Sunday in a statement issued by the Acting Military Information Officer of Operation Hadin Kai, Lieutenant Colonel Mohammed Goni.
According to the military, the terrorists launched their operation at approximately 1:30 a.m., allegedly gaining access to the school premises with the assistance of individuals suspected to have collaborated with them.
Military authorities explained that the Federal Government Girls College is currently being used to accommodate students of the Federal Polytechnic, Monguno, as temporary hostel facilities.
Investigators are examining whether the school’s temporary role may have influenced the attackers’ decision to target the location.
The military said security personnel stationed around the school reacted immediately after detecting the intrusion.
Troops engaged the attackers in a fierce gun battle while the Sector 3 Quick Reaction Force (QRF) was rapidly deployed to reinforce the initial response.
Faced with what the military described as superior firepower and coordinated resistance from soldiers and police officers, the terrorists were unable to execute their mission. They eventually retreated from the area without taking any student hostage.
Officials confirmed that all 46 students found within the facility were safely evacuated after the operation.
They were taken to Kinnasara Barracks in Monguno, where they underwent medical examinations and received appropriate care.
The military stated that all rescued students were confirmed to be medically stable after the assessments, providing some relief following the tense overnight incident.
Despite the successful rescue, the operation was not without tragedy. According to the military, some students lost their lives after being struck by stray bullets allegedly fired by the fleeing terrorists during the exchange of gunfire.
Authorities have not yet clarified whether those killed were students of the Federal Government Girls College or the Federal Polytechnic, Monguno, whose students are temporarily occupying the facility.
Further investigations are expected to determine the identities of the victims and establish the exact circumstances surrounding the fatalities.
The confrontation also caused damage to parts of the school’s infrastructure. Security officials, however, maintained that the destruction was limited and that the primary objective of protecting the students from abduction was successfully achieved.
The latest incident once again highlights the persistent security challenges facing parts of Nigeria’s North-East despite years of military operations against insurgent groups.
Schools have remained attractive targets for terrorist organisations seeking to spread fear, gain publicity and pressure the government through mass kidnappings.
Over the past decade, security agencies have increased surveillance around educational institutions in vulnerable communities while deploying additional personnel to areas considered at high risk of terrorist attacks.
Operation Hadin Kai expressed deep sympathy to the families of those who lost loved ones during the incident, describing the deaths as a painful consequence of the terrorists’ actions.
The military also reassured residents of Borno State and the wider North-East that efforts are ongoing to strengthen security around schools and other public institutions.
Authorities said they remain committed to protecting civilians while sustaining operations against insurgent groups operating within the region.
Meanwhile, security agencies have launched investigations to identify individuals suspected of assisting the attackers.
Military authorities said efforts are underway to track and arrest the alleged collaborators believed to have facilitated the terrorists’ access to the school.
In addition, troops have intensified pursuit operations aimed at locating the fleeing insurgents and preventing further attacks within Monguno and neighbouring communities.
Officials said intelligence gathering has been strengthened to ensure those responsible for planning or supporting the attempted abduction are brought to justice.
The military reaffirmed that cooperation among the armed forces, the Nigeria Police Force, intelligence agencies and the Borno State Government remains critical in sustaining gains against terrorism and ensuring schools remain safe learning environments for students across the North-East.
As investigations continue, authorities have urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities to security agencies, stressing that public cooperation remains essential in preventing future attacks.
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