Operation HADIN KAI has foiled an attempted mass abduction by suspected fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) at the Federal Government Girls College (FGGC), Monguno, Borno State, rescuing 46 students after a fierce overnight gun battle.
The military disclosed in a statement on Sunday that the attack occurred at about 1:30 a.m. on 19 July at the school, which is currently being used by the Borno State Government as temporary hostel accommodation for students of the Federal Polytechnic, Monguno.
The statement was signed by Captain Mohammed Goni, Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, Maiduguri.
According to the statement, the insurgents allegedly gained access to the facility with the assistance of suspected collaborators in an attempt to kidnap the students.
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI, working alongside personnel of the Nigeria Police Mobile Force (MOPOL), swiftly responded to the attack, engaging the terrorists with what the military described as coordinated and overwhelming firepower. Reinforcements from the Sector 3 Quick Reaction Force were also deployed to the scene.
The military said the sustained resistance forced the attackers to abandon their mission and flee without abducting any student.
Although parts of the school infrastructure were damaged during the exchange of gunfire, the security agencies succeeded in containing the attack.
The statement added that all 46 students were rescued and evacuated to Kinnasara Barracks in Monguno, where they underwent medical assessment and received appropriate care.
“All rescued students have been confirmed medically stable and no student was abducted,” according to the statement.
However, the military confirmed that the incident claimed lives, saying some students were hit by stray bullets during the exchange of fire.
Operation HADIN KAI extended condolences to the bereaved families and assured residents that security agencies remain committed to protecting lives and critical public infrastructure across the North-East.
The military also disclosed that efforts were underway to identify and arrest those suspected of aiding the attackers, while troops and other security agencies continue to pursue the fleeing terrorists.
“Operation HADIN KAI extends its deepest condolences to the families of the deceased and reassures the public that all necessary measures are being taken to safeguard the lives of residents and protect critical public institutions across the North East in liaison with the Borno State Government,” Capt. Goni said.
The statement further reaffirmed the military’s resolve to sustain operations against terrorist groups in the region, saying: “Operation HADIN KAI remains steadfast in its commitment to 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.”
Ezinwanne Onwuka, senior staff reporter and columnist with WAP is a Nigerian-based writer and content developer. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy from the prestigious University of Nigeria, Nsukka. Her interests include reading, writing, researching and graphic designing.
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