By Sumaila Ogbaje
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), backed by personnel of the Nigeria Police Mobile Force (MOPOL), have foiled an attempted mass abduction by suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists at the Federal Government Girls College (FGGC), Monguno, Borno State, rescuing all 46 students targeted in the attack.
However, the military disclosed that some students were killed after being hit by sporadic gunfire fired by the fleeing terrorists during the exchange with security forces.
The Acting Military Information Officer of OPHK, Capt. Mohammed Goni disclosed this in a statement issued on Sunday in Maiduguri.
According to him, the terrorists struck at about 1:30 a.m. on Saturday, infiltrating the school premises, which is currently serving as temporary hostel accommodation for students of the Federal Polytechnic, Monguno.
Goni said the attackers, allegedly aided by suspected collaborators, attempted to whisk away dozens of students before troops and police personnel engaged them in a fierce gun battle.
He said the swift intervention of the Sector 3 Quick Reaction Force turned the tide against the terrorists, forcing them to abandon the operation and flee under sustained military fire.
“The terrorists, aided by suspected collaborators, infiltrated the facility in an attempt to abduct the students but were swiftly engaged by troops and police personnel. The reinforcement by the Sector 3 Quick Reaction Force compelled the terrorists to abandon the mission and flee,” he said.
The military spokesman confirmed that all 46 students were successfully rescued and immediately evacuated to Kinnasara Barracks in Monguno, where they underwent medical examination and received necessary care.
Despite the successful rescue, Goni said the attack claimed the lives of some students, who were fatally struck by bullets fired indiscriminately by the terrorists during the exchange of gunfire.
He added that sections of the school infrastructure were also damaged in the attack.
The military expressed sympathy to the families of the victims, assuring them that every effort was being made to bring those responsible to justice.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of those who lost their lives. Additional security measures are being implemented in collaboration with other security agencies and the Borno State Government to safeguard schools and other critical public facilities,” Goni stated.
He disclosed that exploitation operations had commenced to identify and apprehend suspected collaborators who had assisted the attackers.
According to him, troops have also launched pursuit operations to track down the fleeing terrorists and prevent them from regrouping.
“Exploitation operations are ongoing to identify and apprehend suspected collaborators, while troops are pursuing the fleeing terrorists,” he added.
The attempted raid is the latest in a series of attacks targeting schools in Nigeria’s North-East, where terrorists have repeatedly sought to abduct students for ransom, propaganda and recruitment purposes.
Goni reaffirmed the resolve of Operation HADIN KAI to sustain aggressive offensive operations against ISWAP and other terrorist groups operating in the region.
“Operation HADIN KAI remains committed to sustaining offensive operations against terrorist groups and denying them freedom of action across the North-East,” he said.
