Foiled ISWAP attack on Borno school, 46 students rescued

A coordinated military and police response repelled an attack by suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists on a school in northeastern Nigeria early Saturday, July 18, 2026, preventing a mass abduction but resulting in student fatalities. The assault targeted the Federal Government Girls College in Monguno, Borno State, which is currently being used as temporary hostel accommodation for students of the Federal Polytechnic, Monguno.

According to a statement from Operation HADIN KAI, the military counter-terrorism task force for the region, the attack began at approximately 1:30 a.m. The terrorists reportedly gained initial access to the facility with the assistance of suspected collaborators inside. Alert security personnel on guard immediately engaged the attackers, and troops from the Sector 3 Quick Reaction Force swiftly reinforced the school's defenses.

A fierce exchange of gunfire ensued. Military officials stated that the coordinated and overwhelming response from the joint force of troops and Nigeria Police Mobile Force personnel forced the insurgents to abandon their operation and flee. No students were abducted during the attack. However, officials...