Troops, police thwart ISWAP night attack, rescue 46 students in Monguno

The Nigerian army and police have foiled an attempted mass abduction at a student hostel in Monguno, rescuing all 46 occupants after engaging suspected Islamic State of West African Province (ISWAP) fighters.

The incident was disclosed by Mohammed Goni, the Acting Military Information Officer at Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation Hadin Kai I, in a statement issued on Sunday.

According to the statement, the attack occurred at about 1:30 a.m. at the Federal Government Girls College (FGGC), Monguno.

The Borno State Government is currently using the school as temporary hostel accommodation for students of the Federal Polytechnic, Monguno.

The military said the attackers allegedly gained access to the facility with the assistance of suspected collaborators.

Troops of Operation HADIN KAI, supported by personnel of the Nigeria Police Mobile Force, responded swiftly and engaged the attackers.

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The statement said the Sector 3 Quick Reaction Force reinforced the security team, forcing the assailants to flee without abducting any student.

Although parts of the school buildings were damaged during the exchange of gunfire, security forces successfully secured the facility.

The military said all 46 students were rescued and evacuated to Kinnasara Barracks in Monguno for medical assessment.

It added that all the rescued students were confirmed medically stable.

However, the statement said some students were killed after being struck by sporadic gunfire during the attack. The military did not disclose the number of casualties.

Operation HADIN KAI expressed condolences to the families of those who lost their lives.

The military said investigations are underway to identify and arrest suspected collaborators, while troops continue pursuing the fleeing attackers.

Operation HADIN KAI reaffirmed its commitment to protecting educational institutions and other critical facilities across the North-East.

Schools in parts of Borno State have repeatedly been targeted by insurgent groups during the Boko Haram conflict, with several abductions recorded over the past decade.

Security around schools has since been strengthened through joint operations involving the military, police and other security agencies.

The latest incident highlights the continuing security challenges in parts of the Lake Chad region despite ongoing counter-insurgency operations.