Troops of Operation Hadin Kai, alongside personnel of the Nigeria Police Force Mobile Force (MOPOL), have foiled an attempted abduction by Islamic State West Africa Province(ISWAP) terrorists at the Federal Government Girls College Monguno, Borno State.

According to a statement by the acting military information officer, Mohammed Goni, the attack occurred around 1:30 a.m. on Saturday, when the terrorists allegedly gained access to the school with the help of suspected collaborators.

Goni disclosed that 46 students were successfully rescued during the operation. The school facility is currently being used as temporary hostel accommodation for students of the Federal Polytechnic Monguno.

Security personnel reportedly engaged the attackers with coordinated firepower, supported by the Sector 3 Quick Reaction Force, forcing the insurgents to flee without carrying out their abduction plan. However, parts of the school infrastructure were damaged during the exchange.

Tragically, some students lost their lives after being struck by stray bullets allegedly fired by the fleeing terrorists. Authorities are yet to confirm whether the victims were students of the college or the polytechnic.

“All rescued students were evacuated to Kinnasara Barracks, where they received medical attention and have been confirmed stable,” the statement added.

The military extended condolences to the families of the deceased and assured the public that efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing attackers and their suspected collaborators, while reinforcing security across the North-East region.