Troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), supported by personnel of the Nigeria Police Mobile Force (MOPOL), have foiled an attempted mass abduction of students by suspected ISWAP terrorists at the Federal Government Girls College (FGGC), Monguno, rescuing 46 students. However, some students were fatally struck by sporadic gunfire from the terrorists during the firefight.
Details of the Attack
Captain Mohammed Goni, Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday, 19 July 2026. He said the facility is currently being utilized as temporary hostel accommodation for students of the Federal Polytechnic, Monguno. The terrorists stormed the school at about 1:30 a.m. on Sunday, July 19 after allegedly gaining access with the assistance of suspected collaborators.
Security personnel on guard immediately engaged the attackers with heavy fire, while the Sector 3 Quick Reaction Force (QRF) rapidly reinforced the location. The coordinated response forced the terrorists to abandon the operation and flee without taking any of the students.
Rescue and Medical Care
Following the operation, all 46 students were rescued and evacuated to Kinnasara Barracks in Monguno, where they underwent medical assessment and received necessary care. All rescued students have been confirmed medically stable. No student was abducted.
According to the statement, some students were fatally struck by the sporadic gunfire from the terrorists during the firefight. Operation HADIN KAI extends its deepest condolences to the families of the deceased and reassures the public that all necessary measures are being taken to safeguard lives and protect critical public institutions across the North East in liaison with the Borno State Government.
Ongoing Operations
Exploitation of the incident is ongoing to identify and apprehend the suspected collaborators, while troops and other security agencies are actively tracking the fleeing terrorists. Operation HADIN KAI remains steadfast in its commitment to sustaining relentless pressure on terrorist elements, denying them freedom of action, dismantling their operational capability, and ensuring that educational institutions and other critical infrastructure across the North East remain safe and secure.
