Troops Foil ISWAP Mass Abduction, Rescue 46 Students

​MONGUNO, BORNO STATE — Joint military and police forces have successfully thwarted a midnight mass abduction attempt by suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists at the Federal Government Girls College (FGGC), Monguno, rescuing 46 students.

​The daring raid, which unfolded at approximately 1:30 a.m. on Sunday, targeted the institution’s premises currently being utilized by the Borno State Government as a temporary hostel accommodation for students of the Federal Polytechnic, Monguno.

​According to military authorities, preliminary findings indicate that the insurgents infiltrated the facility with the assistance of internal collaborators. However, on-duty security personnel detected the breach and immediately engaged the attackers with sustained firepower, while the Sector 3 Quick Reaction Force (QRF) rushed to the scene as reinforcements.

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​Confronted by the fierce and coordinated counter-offensive, the terrorists were forced to abandon their objectives and scatter into the dark.

​While security forces successfully prevented any students from being taken captive, the intense exchange of gunfire resulted in tragedy. School management and military sources confirmed that some students—identified as remedial students of the polytechnic—were fatally struck by sporadic terrorist gunfire while scrambling for safety.

​All 46 surviving students were swiftly evacuated to the Kinnasara Barracks in Monguno for comprehensive medical evaluations and psychological support. Medical officials have since confirmed that all rescued individuals are in stable condition.

​The Headquarters of the Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI has expressed deep condolences to the bereaved families, assuring the public that intensified manhunts and intelligence sweeps are underway to track down the fleeing attackers and apprehend their local collaborators.