The Federal Ministry of Education has rejected reports that students of the Federal Government Girls’ College (FGGC), Monguno, Borno State, were among those killed during a deadly terrorist attack, contradicting an earlier account by the Nigerian military that linked the incident to the school.
In a statement issued on Monday by the ministry’s Director of Press and Public Relations, Mrs. Boriowo Folasade, the ministry described reports that FGGC, Monguno came under attack by suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists as false, misleading and capable of causing unnecessary panic among parents and the public.
According to the ministry, the college remains secure, with all students, staff and boarding facilities safe and fully accounted for. It added that academic and boarding activities continue without disruption.
The ministry insisted that no student of FGGC, Monguno was involved in the incident, explaining that those affected were remedial students staying outside the college, while the Borno State Government was overseeing their welfare.
“The affected individuals were remedial students outside the college, while the Borno State Government is taking the necessary steps to ensure their safety and welfare,” the statement said.
Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, reaffirmed that the safety of learners in all Federal Government Colleges remains a top priority, stressing that FGGC, Monguno operates under robust security arrangements.
The ministry also urged journalists, bloggers and social media users to verify information through official channels before publication to prevent the spread of misinformation capable of triggering public anxiety.
The clarification follows an earlier statement by the Nigerian military through Operation HADIN KAI, which disclosed that suspected ISWAP terrorists attempted to storm a hostel facility in Monguno in the early hours of Saturday.
According to the military’s Acting Information Officer, Captain Mohammed Goni, the attackers allegedly infiltrated the Federal Government Girls’ College, currently being used by the Borno State Government as temporary hostel accommodation for students of the Federal Polytechnic, Monguno, in an attempt to carry out a mass abduction.
He said troops of Operation HADIN KAI, supported by personnel of the Nigeria Police Mobile Force (MOPOL), swiftly engaged the terrorists after receiving intelligence, forcing them to abandon the operation following intense gunfire.
The military stated that all 46 students at the facility were rescued and evacuated to Kinnasara Barracks in Monguno, where they received medical attention and were confirmed to be in stable condition.
However, it also disclosed that some students were fatally hit by sporadic gunfire during the exchange, although it did not specify the number of casualties.
The ministry’s latest clarification has now drawn a sharp distinction between the victims identified by the military and students of the Federal Government Girls’ College, setting the stage for questions over the circumstances of the incident and the identities of those killed.