Borno Heroics: Troops Foil Mass Kidnap, Rescue 46 Students From ISWAP!

The Nigerian Armed Forces have maintained a relentless nationwide offensive against a myriad of criminal elements, including terrorists, kidnappers, and oil thieves, recording significant successes. These comprehensive operations have led to the rescue of numerous abducted victims, the apprehension of several terrorist collaborators and logistics suppliers, and the disruption of various criminal networks across the country.

A notable recent operation involved the swift response by Nigerian troops to an attempted mass abduction by suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists at the Federal Government Girls College (FGGC) in Monguno, Borno State. The attack, which occurred at approximately 1:30 a.m. on a recent Saturday, targeted students residing in the college, which is currently serving as a temporary hostel for Federal Polytechnic, Monguno students. Troops from Operation HADIN KAI, working in conjunction with personnel of the Nigeria Police Mobile Force (MOPOL), rapidly engaged the assailants. The terrorists reportedly gained access to the facility with the assistance of suspected collaborators, but their advance was met with coordinated and overwhelming firepower from alert security personnel, reinforced by the Sector 3 Quick Reaction Force (QRF).

Despite the fierce resistance, some students were tragically struck by sporadic gunfire from the terrorists during the firefight, resulting in fatalities. However, the determined efforts of the security forces prevented any abductions. Following the successful repulsion of the attack, all 46 students were rescued and evacuated to Kinnasara Barracks, Monguno, where they received immediate medical assessments and care, confirming their stability. While no students were abducted, the military expressed regret over the loss of life and acknowledged damage to parts of the school's infrastructure. Investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend suspected collaborators who aided the terrorists, and a manhunt has been launched for the fleeing attackers. This incident underscores renewed concerns regarding school safety in Nigeria's North-East, a region frequently targeted by Boko Haram and ISWAP through mass abductions and deadly attacks over the past decade.

Beyond the Monguno incident, broader counter-terrorism operations under Operation Hadin Kai in the North East have yielded significant results. These include the surrender of ten family members of terrorists in Gwoza and Pulka, and the arrest of several suspected terrorist collaborators, logistics suppliers such as Ali Umar (who confessed to supplying petroleum products), and a suspected foreign spy in Borno State. Troops also foiled infiltration attempts in areas like Muna Garage, Shuwari village, and the Ajilari axis of Jere Local Government Area, recovering a terrorist's corpse in subsequent operations. Kidnap victims, including Usman Hassan from Bauchi State and Aisha Mohammed with six other civilians from Gwoza, have also been successfully rescued.

The military's reach extends to other regions as well. In the North West, Operation Fansan Yamma conducted offensive operations across Zamfara and Kebbi states, leading to the arrest of collaborators, the neutralization of three terrorists, the rescue of 13 abducted civilians, and the recovery of two vehicles. Operation Savannah Shield in the North Central rescued four kidnap victims in Niger and Kwara states, neutralised a terrorist, and recovered an AK-47 rifle, magazines, and a Dane gun. Similarly, Operation Enduring Peace intercepted suspected arms traffickers in Kaduna, recovering three locally fabricated rifles and four sub-machine guns, and arrested a wanted suspect linked to attacks in Plateau State while rescuing four kidnap victims after a highway blockade. Operation Whirl Stroke intercepted an ammunition courier with 60 rounds and apprehended four suspected terrorist collaborators, in addition to rescuing a school principal, a National Examinations Council (NECO) official, and two students abducted during an attack on an examination centre in Kogi State.

In the South-South, Operation Delta Safe uncovered and dismantled illegal refining sites in Rivers State, which contained stolen crude oil and equipment used for illicit refining. Troops also neutralised two kidnappers in Edo State, recovering three rifles and ammunition, and rescuing three abductees. Further, Operation Udo Ka in the South East has been active, arresting suspected kidnappers and members of a proscribed secessionist group, recovering an assault rifle, ammunition, a pump-action gun, and cartridges. This operation also rescued two abducted victims after intercepting a truck hijacked by kidnappers along the Aba–Port Harcourt Expressway.

Specifically in the South East, under Operation Udo Ka, a kidnapping syndicate in Imo State was dismantled through an intelligence-led cordon-and-search operation at Obinwanne Umuaka in Njaba Local Government Area. This led to the recovery of a bag used to transport ransom payments, indicating the proceeds had already been shared. Subsequent intelligence exploitation resulted in the arrest of a suspect at a residential building, where a black Lexus saloon car believed to have been used in the kidnapping, along with mobile phones, identity documents, and N298,200 in cash (suspected to be part of the ransom), were recovered. The rescued victim positively identified the arrested suspect as one of the abductors.

The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, commended the troops for their unwavering professionalism and dedication across all operations. He particularly lauded the intelligence-led collaboration that facilitated the unconditional rescue of 44 pupils and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, who were freed after 56 days in captivity. These sustained efforts by the Armed Forces of Nigeria reflect a concerted drive to secure the nation from various internal threats.