Troops Foil ISWAP Attack on FGGC Monguno, Rescue 46 Students

Troops of Operation HADIN KAI, working alongside personnel of the Nigeria Police Mobile Force (MOPOL), have foiled an attempted mass abduction by suspected ISWAP terrorists at the Federal Government Girls College (FGGC), Monguno, Borno State.

The attempted attack occurred at about 1:30 a.m. on Sunday, July 19, 2026, at the school, which is currently being used by the Borno State Government as temporary hostel accommodation for students of the Federal Polytechnic, Monguno.

According to a statement issued by the Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI, Captain Mohammed Goni, the terrorists allegedly gained access to the facility with the assistance of suspected collaborators in a bid to abduct the students.

He said vigilant security personnel immediately engaged the attackers with coordinated firepower, while the Sector 3 Quick Reaction Force (QRF) swiftly reinforced the school.

“The terrorists were overwhelmed by the superior combat capability and determined resistance of the troops and police personnel, forcing them to abandon their mission and flee without abducting any student,” the statement said.

Although parts of the school’s infrastructure were damaged during the exchange of gunfire, security forces successfully contained the attack.

The military said all 46 students in the facility were rescued and evacuated to Kinnasara Barracks, Monguno, where they received medical evaluation and appropriate care. Authorities confirmed that all the rescued students are medically stable.

However, the operation recorded casualties, as some students were fatally hit by sporadic gunfire fired by the fleeing terrorists during the confrontation.

Operation HADIN KAI expressed condolences to the families of the victims and assured residents that security agencies remain committed to protecting lives and critical public institutions across the North-East.

The military added that investigations are ongoing to identify and arrest suspected collaborators who allegedly aided the attackers, while troops and other security agencies have launched a manhunt for the fleeing terrorists.

Operation HADIN KAI reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining offensive operations against terrorist groups, dismantling their operational networks, and ensuring schools and other critical infrastructure in the region remain secure.