Soldiers thwart large-scale kidnapping bid at Monguno girls' school

Troops of Operation HADIN KAI, in conjunction with the Nigeria Police Mobile Force, thwarted a large-scale abduction attempt by ISWAP terrorists at the Federal Government Girls College in Monguno at approximately 1:30 a.m. on 19 July 2026, according to Captain Mohammed Goni, the Acting Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force North East Operation HADIN KAI.

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The FGGC facility is presently being used by the Borno State Government as temporary accommodation for students of the Federal Polytechnic in Monguno town, with the terrorists allegedly gaining access to the facility with the help of suspected collaborators.

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Alert security personnel swiftly engaged the terrorists, utilizing coordinated and overwhelming firepower to stall their advance, with the Sector 3 Quick Reaction Force providing immediate reinforcement to the school.

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The terrorists, faced with the superior combat capability and determined resistance of the security forces, were forced to abandon their mission and flee in disarray without achieving their objective, although parts of the school infrastructure suffered damage during the encounter.

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Following the operation, troops successfully rescued and evacuated all 46 students to Kinnasara Barracks in Monguno, where they received immediate medical assessment and care, with all rescued students confirmed to be medically stable and none abducted.

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Unfortunately, some students were fatally struck by sporadic gunfire from the terrorists during the firefight, prompting Operation HADIN KAI to extend its deepest condolences to the families of the deceased.

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Operation HADIN KAI has reassured the public that all necessary measures are being taken to safeguard the lives of residents and protect critical public institutions across the North East in liaison with the Borno State Government.

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An investigation into the incident is ongoing to identify and apprehend the suspected collaborators, while troops and other security agencies are actively tracking the fleeing terrorists.

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Operation HADIN KAI remains committed to maintaining relentless pressure on terrorist elements, denying them freedom of action, dismantling their operational capability, and ensuring the safety and security of educational institutions and critical infrastructure across the North East.