By SUMAILA OGBAJE

Troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), supported by personnel of the Nigeria Police Mobile Force (MOPOL), have foiled an attempted mass abduction by suspected ISWAP terrorists at the Federal Government Girls College (FGGC), Monguno, Borno.

The Acting Military Information Officer, OPHK, Capt. Mohammed Goni, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday in Maiduguri.

Goni said troops equally rescued all 46 students targeted in the attack.

He said that the attack occurred at about 1:30 a.m. on Saturday at the school, which is currently being used by the Borno State Government as temporary hostel accommodation for students of the Federal Polytechnic, Monguno.

He said 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.

Goni said the Sector 3 Quick Reaction Force reinforced the troops, forcing the attackers to abandon their mission and flee under sustained fire.

According to him, all 46 students were safely rescued and evacuated to Kinnasara Barracks, Monguno, where they received medical assessment and appropriate care.

He said no student was abducted, although some students were fatally struck by sporadic gunfire from the terrorists during the exchange of fire.

Goni said parts of the school infrastructure were damaged during the attack.

He extended condolences to the families of the deceased and assured residents that troops, in collaboration with other security agencies and the Borno State Government, were taking additional measures to protect schools and other critical public facilities.

He added that exploitation operations were ongoing to identify and apprehend suspected collaborators, while troops were pursuing the fleeing terrorists.

Goni reaffirmed Operation HADIN KAI’s commitment to sustaining offensive operations against terrorist groups and denying them freedom of action across the North-East. (NAN, excluding headline)