Several students were killed when suspected fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) launched a midnight raid on the Federal Government Girls College in Monguno in an attempted mass abduction.

The attack, which occurred at about 1:30 a.m. on Saturday, was repelled by troops of Operation HADIN KAI and personnel of the Nigeria Police Mobile Force. After a fierce gun battle, security forces rescued 46 students.

Military sources said the terrorists targeted students who were temporarily housed at the college, which is currently serving as accommodation for students of the Federal Polytechnic Monguno.

Security operatives engaged the attackers immediately, while a Quick Reaction Force from Sector 3 provided reinforcement. The insurgents were forced to abandon the operation and flee the scene.

However, some students were struck and killed by stray bullets fired by the fleeing terrorists during the exchange of fire.

The rescued students were evacuated to Kinnasara Barracks in Monguno, where they received medical attention and were confirmed to be in stable condition.

Authorities have commenced investigations to identify possible collaborators who may have aided the attackers, while troops continue to pursue the fleeing terrorists.

Operation HADIN KAI has since strengthened security around schools and other critical infrastructure across the North-East region to forestall similar incidents.

The Federal Government has arraigned three suspects in connection with the high-profile kidnapping of pupils and teachers from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State on May 15, 2026.

The suspects, whose identities were not immediately disclosed for security reasons, were brought before a Federal High Court in Abuja on terrorism-related charges, including conspiracy, aiding and abetting kidnapping, and links to the armed group responsible for the abduction.

The dramatic school attack saw heavily armed gunmen storm Baptist Nursery and Primary School in Yawota, Community High School in Ahoro-Esinele, and L.A. Primary School, abducting around 46 pupils, students, and teachers, including a two-year-old toddler. One teacher was killed in captivity, heightening national outrage.

Security operations led by the military, police, DSS, and other agencies resulted in the rescue of all surviving victims after 56 days. Eight suspects were arrested in total during the operation, with several others neutralized. The three now facing formal arraignment are believed to be key figures or accomplices linked to the network, possibly including informants or logistics providers.

Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga had earlier confirmed that no ransom was paid and no prisoner swap occurred, despite demands from the abductors for the release of detained Ansaru commanders Mahmud Usman and his deputy. The government maintained a firm stance, emphasizing justice for the victims and the slain teacher.

The arraignment underscores ongoing efforts by the Federal Government to dismantle criminal networks behind school attacks and banditry in the region. The suspects pleaded not guilty to the charges, and the court adjourned the case for further hearing while remanding them in DSS custody.

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and security agencies have been commended for their roles in the rescue, even as communities call for sustained vigilance and improved school security in vulnerable areas. The incident has reignited debates on protecting educational institutions from such threats.

In a successful security operation, operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) and forest guards have rescued two kidnapped children in Kwara State.

The children — 16-year-old Fatima Azeez and her five-year-old brother, Ibrahim — were freed on Thursday from a forest between Oba Isin/Owa Onire in Isin and Ifelodun Local Government Areas of the state.

According to government sources, the joint security team eliminated two armed kidnappers during the operation, while several others sustained fatal injuries and fled. More rescue operations are said to be ongoing in the area.

Items recovered from the kidnappers include one AK-47 rifle, a single-barrel gun, one fully-loaded magazine, nine empty magazines, a mini-solar charger, and food items.

The operation is part of the Kwara State Government’s multi-agency counter-terrorism and anti-kidnapping efforts.

The rescue comes just days after a similar intelligence-led operation in neighbouring Oyo State, where pupils and teachers abducted by bandits in Oriire were successfully freed.