ISWAP attack claims lives of three students, 46 rescued in Borno

Three students from the Federal Polytechnic, Monguno, were killed during an attack by suspected Islamic State West Africa Province terrorists. The attack happened at their temporary hostel in Monguno, Borno State, and 46 other students were rescued.

This incident took place in the early hours of Sunday. A source from the school's management, who asked to remain anonymous due to the sensitive nature of the situation, confirmed the deaths to PUNCH Metro.

The source explained that the victims were among the remedial students staying at the Federal Government Girls College. "At the Federal Government Girls College, we are running remedial programmes. The students have already been issued admission letters."

The source added, "Unfortunately, during the attack, we lost three of the remedial students. They were killed while scrambling for safety during the sporadic gunfire."

Troops from Operation Hadin Kai, along with members of the Nigeria Police Mobile Force, rescued 46 other students from the school. The acting Military Information Officer for Northeast Joint Task Force, Operation Hadin Kai, Capt Muhammed Goni, confirmed the attack in a statement on Sunday.

Goni said the attack occurred at the premises of the Federal Government Girls College in Monguno, which is being used as temporary accommodation for the students. The statement noted, "Troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), in collaboration with personnel of the Nigeria Police Mobile Force (MOPOL), successfully foiled an attempted mass abduction by ISWAP terrorists at the Federal Government Girls College, Monguno, at about 0130 hours (1:30 a.m.) on July 19, 2026."

He further explained that the college is currently being used by the Borno State Government as a temporary hostel for Federal Polytechnic, Monguno students. The terrorists reportedly gained access to the facility with the help of suspected collaborators.

"Alert security personnel immediately engaged the terrorists with coordinated and overwhelming firepower, effectively stalling their advance, with Sector 3 Quick Reaction Force immediately reinforcing the school," he stated.

Goni mentioned that the terrorists, faced with stronger combat forces and determined resistance, were forced to retreat without achieving their goal. "During the encounter, parts of the school infrastructure sustained damage, but the attempt was well contained by troops in conjunction with Nigeria Police Force personnel," he added.

After the operation, Goni said, "Troops successfully rescued and evacuated all 46 students to Kinnasara Barracks, Monguno, where they received immediate medical assessment and appropriate care." He confirmed that all the rescued students were medically stable and that no student was abducted.

He expressed sorrow over the loss, stating, "Regrettably, 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."

Goni assured the public that all necessary steps are being taken to protect residents and secure critical public institutions in the North East, in partnership with the Borno State Government. He added that efforts are ongoing to find and arrest the suspected collaborators, while security forces are actively pursuing the fleeing terrorists.

"Operation HADIN KAI remains committed to keeping pressure on terrorist elements, preventing their actions, dismantling their capabilities, and ensuring safety in educational institutions and other vital infrastructure across the Northeast," he concluded.

This attack comes amid reports of students being abducted while writing NECO exams in Kogi State by suspected terrorists.