Security Response to ISWAP Raid

Troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), in collaboration with personnel of the Nigeria Police Mobile Force (MOPOL), have foiled an attempted mass abduction by ISWAP terrorists at the Federal Government Girls College (FGGC), Monguno, Borno State. The incident occurred at about 1:30 a.m. on Sunday, July 19, 2026, when terrorists reportedly gained access to the school facility.

The school is currently being used by the Borno State Government as temporary hostel accommodation for students of the Federal Polytechnic, Monguno. According to military reports, the terrorists gained access to the facility with the assistance of suspected collaborators in an attempt to abduct the students under the cover of darkness.

Alert security personnel immediately engaged the terrorists with coordinated and overwhelming firepower, effectively stalling their advance with Sector 3 Quick Reaction Force (QRF) immediately reinforcing the school. Confronted by the superior combat capability and determined resistance of the security forces, the terrorists were forced to abandon their criminal mission and flee in confusion without achieving their objective.

— Captain Mohammed Goni, Acting Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI

Rescue Efforts and Impact on Students

Following the heavy exchange of fire, troops successfully rescued and evacuated all 46 students to Kinnasara Barracks in Monguno. While the abduction attempt was contained, parts of the school infrastructure sustained damage during the encounter. All 46 rescued students have been confirmed medically stable and were provided with immediate care and assessment upon arrival at the barracks.

Regrettably, the military confirmed that the encounter resulted in casualties among the student population. While no students were successfully abducted, some were fatally struck by sporadic gunfire from the terrorists during the firefight between the insurgents and security forces.

Following the operation, troops successfully rescued and evacuated all 46 students to Kinnasara Barracks, Monguno, where they received immediate medical assessment and appropriate care. All rescued students have been confirmed medically stable and no student was abducted. Regrettably, some students were fatally struck by the sporadic gunfire from the terrorists during the firefight.

— Captain Mohammed Goni, Acting Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI

Investigation and Regional Stability

Security agencies have launched a full investigation into the incident to identify and apprehend the suspected collaborators who aided the terrorists' entry into the facility. Currently, troops and other security agencies are tracking the fleeing insurgents who escaped the scene following the intervention of the Quick Reaction Force.

The military has assured residents of Borno State that necessary measures are being implemented to protect lives and critical public institutions across the North-East. Operation HADIN KAI remains focused on dismantling the operational capabilities of terrorist elements to ensure that educational institutions remain safe zones for learning.

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.

— Captain Mohammed Goni, Acting Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI