Some students of Federal Polytechnic, Monguno, Borno State, have been killed during a failed abduction attempt by suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists, according to the Nigerian military.
The attack occurred at about 1:30 a.m. on Sunday when terrorists stormed the Federal Government Girls College (FGGC), Monguno, which is currently serving as temporary hostel accommodation for students of the polytechnic.
Joint security forces, including troops of Operation Hadin Kai and personnel of the Nigeria Police Mobile Force (MOPOL), responded to the attack and engaged the assailants in a firefight. The military said the operation successfully prevented the abduction of the students.
In a statement, Captain Mohammed Goni, Acting Spokesperson of Operation Hadin Kai, said the attackers allegedly gained access to the facility with the assistance of suspected collaborators. He said security personnel quickly mobilised and reinforced the school, forcing the terrorists to retreat without carrying out the planned kidnapping.
The military confirmed that no student was abducted. Forty-six students have been evacuated to a military facility for medical examination and care.
However, some students lost their lives during the exchange of gunfire. According to the military, they were struck by bullets fired by the attackers during the confrontation. The number of fatalities and injuries has not yet been disclosed.
Parts of the school's infrastructure were also damaged during the incident.
Security agencies have launched efforts to identify and arrest individuals suspected of assisting the attackers. Troops are also pursuing the fleeing terrorists.
The military extended its condolences to the families of the deceased and reaffirmed its commitment, in collaboration with the Borno State Government, to protecting residents and critical institutions across the North-East.
The latest incident adds to the long-running security challenges facing schools in Nigeria. Mass abductions of students first gained national attention in 2014 following the kidnapping of more than 200 schoolgirls in Chibok, Borno State.
Since then, hundreds of students have been abducted in multiple attacks across the country. While several victims have been rescued or released in recent years, dozens of students kidnapped from schools in Borno remain in captivity.
