Troops Foil ISWAP Raid On Borno School, Rescue 46 Students
Troops Repel ISWAP Attack on Borno School, Rescue 46 Students
Swift Military, Police Response Thwarts Planned Mass Abduction
TROOPS of Operation Hadin Kai, working alongside personnel of the Nigeria Police Mobile Force, have foiled an attempted mass abduction by suspected fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) at the Federal Government Girls College (FGGC), Monguno, in Borno State.
The attempted attack occurred at about 1:30 a.m. on Saturday, according to a statement issued by the Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Operation Hadin Kai, Captain Mohammed Goni.
The military disclosed that the school facility is currently serving as temporary hostel accommodation for students of the Federal Polytechnic, Monguno, under an arrangement by the Borno State Government.
Attack Allegedly Aided by Collaborators
According to the military, the terrorists reportedly gained access to the school premises with the assistance of suspected collaborators, apparently intending to abduct students housed in the facility.
However, vigilant security personnel immediately confronted the attackers with coordinated firepower, while the Sector 3 Quick Reaction Force (QRF) was swiftly deployed to reinforce the school.
The statement noted that the combined military and police response overwhelmed the terrorists, forcing them to abandon the operation and flee before accomplishing their objective.
Forty-Six Students Safely Evacuated
Following the successful counter-operation, security personnel rescued and evacuated all 46 students to Kinnasara Barracks in Monguno.
Military authorities said the students received immediate medical examinations and appropriate care, confirming that all rescued students were medically stable and that none was abducted.
Fatalities Recorded During Exchange of Gunfire
Despite preventing the mass kidnapping, the military confirmed that some students lost their lives after being struck by sporadic gunfire fired by the terrorists during the exchange.
The command expressed condolences to the bereaved families, describing the deaths as tragic while assuring the public that every effort would continue to be made to safeguard schools and other critical public institutions across the North-East.
The attack also caused damage to parts of the school’s infrastructure during the firefight.
Manhunt Underway for Terrorists, Suspected Collaborators
Operation Hadin Kai disclosed that exploitation operations are ongoing to identify and arrest individuals suspected of assisting the attackers.
Security agencies have also launched pursuit operations aimed at tracking down the fleeing terrorists.
The military reaffirmed its determination to sustain offensive operations against terrorist groups and maintain pressure on insurgents operating across the North-East.
