Security Forces Thwart Mass Abduction Attempt by Terrorists at Borno Student Hostel

A joint operation by troops of Operation Hadin Kai and the Nigeria Police Mobile Force successfully foiled a mass kidnapping attempt by suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists at a student housing facility in Monguno, Borno State.

According to an official statement issued on Sunday by Captain Mohammed Goni, the Acting Military Information Officer for the Joint Task Force (North East), the assault took place early Saturday morning at approximately 1:30 a.m. The targeted facility, the Federal Government Girls College (FGGC) in Monguno, is currently serving as a temporary hostel for students of the Federal Polytechnic, Monguno.

Military authorities revealed that the insurgents managed to breach the premises with the help of suspected internal collaborators. However, alert security personnel on-site immediately engaged the attackers. The initial defense was quickly reinforced by the Sector 3 Quick Reaction Force, forcing the heavily resisted terrorists to retreat and abandon their abduction mission.

Following the intense gun battle, security forces successfully evacuated 46 students to the Kinnasara Barracks in Monguno for medical assessment and psychosocial care. Officials confirmed that all rescued students are currently in stable medical condition and that no student was successfully abducted by the fleeing insurgents.

Regrettably, the military confirmed that a number of students lost their lives after being struck by stray bullets fired by the terrorists during the crossfire.

While extending condolences to the families of the victims, the military command stated that an investigation is actively underway to track down the suspected collaborators. Concurrently, a manhunt has been launched by joint security agencies to apprehend the retreating insurgents. Security officials reiterated their commitment to maintaining strict protective measures around educational institutions and critical infrastructure across the North-East region.