Source: Africa Publicity
Nigerian troops have thwarted an attempted mass abduction by suspected ISWAP terrorists at the Federal Government Girls College (FGGC) in Monguno, Borno State, rescuing 46 students after a fierce overnight gun battle. The attack, however, left an unspecified number of students dead after they were hit by stray bullets fired by the assailants.
The incident occurred around 1:30 a.m. on Sunday, July 19, 2026, at the FGGC premises, which are currently serving as temporary hostel accommodation for students of the Federal Polytechnic, Monguno.
According to a statement issued on Sunday by Captain Mohammed Goni, Acting Military Information Officer at the Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, the attackers allegedly gained entry into the facility with the help of suspected collaborators before attempting to abduct the students.
Security personnel stationed at the school immediately confronted the terrorists, while troops from the Sector 3 Quick Reaction Force (QRF), supported by officers of the Nigeria Police Mobile Force (MOPOL), swiftly reinforced the position.
The combined security response overwhelmed the terrorists, forcing them to abandon the attempted kidnapping and retreat without taking any of the students.
Following the operation, all 46 rescued students were evacuated to Kinnasara Barracks in Monguno, where they received medical examinations and appropriate care. Military authorities confirmed that all of the rescued students were medically stable.
Despite the successful rescue, the military disclosed that several students lost their lives after being struck by indiscriminate gunfire from the fleeing terrorists during the exchange of fire.
Authorities have not yet released the exact number of fatalities, while investigations into the alleged involvement of collaborators are expected to continue.
