Troops foil ISWAP mass student abduction in Borno
Troops Foil Mass Abduction Attempt at Girls College in Monguno
MONGUNO, Nigeria — In the early hours of Sunday, troops from Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), in coordination with personnel from the Nigeria Police Mobile Force (MOPOL), thwarted an attempted mass abduction by suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists at the Federal Government Girls College (FGGC) in Monguno.
During the operation, 46 students were successfully rescued. The acting military information officer for OPHK, Captain Mohammed Goni, detailed the incident, which began around 1:30 a.m. on July 19. The college is currently being utilized by the Borno State Government as temporary housing for students from the nearby Federal Polytechnic in Monguno.
Goni confirmed that the terrorists launched their assault in an attempt to abduct the students. Security personnel stationed at the school engaged the attackers with heavy fire, prompting a rapid response from the Sector 3 Quick Reaction Force (QRF).
The coordinated defense strategy forced the assailants to abandon their mission and flee without any hostages. While some damage occurred to the school’s infrastructure during the gunfire exchange, the attack was contained, preventing a potentially significant abduction.
“Following the operation, all 46 students were evacuated to Kinnasara Barracks in Monguno, where they underwent medical assessments and received necessary care,” Goni reported. He added that the students have been confirmed medically stable.
Although the operation successfully rescued the students, Goni also noted that there were tragic consequences; some students were reportedly killed by stray bullets during the incident.
