Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Federal Ministry of Education has issued a strong denial of reports that the Federal Government Girls' College in Monguno, Borno State, was attacked by suspected Islamic State West Africa Province terrorists, insisting that the school remains safe and that all its students are fully accounted for. In a statement issued on Monday, July 20, 2026, the Ministry described the circulating reports as "false, misleading and capable of causing unnecessary panic" among parents, guardians, and the general public. The denial came a day after the Nigerian military confirmed that troops had foiled an attempted mass abduction by ISWAP terrorists at the facility, which is currently being used as temporary hostel accommodation for students of the Federal Polytechnic, Monguno.
According to the Ministry's Director of Press and Public Relations, Mrs. Folasade Boriowo, the Ministry's internal verification, including direct communication with the school principal, confirmed that the college remained safe and that academic activities were ongoing without disruption. "The Ministry states unequivocally that there was no attack on Federal Government Girls' College, Monguno. The school remains safe and secure, with all students, staff, and boarding facilities fully protected and accounted for," the statement read. The Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, reaffirmed that the safety and welfare of students in all Federal Government Colleges remain a top priority of the Federal Government, noting that the school operates under robust security arrangements.
The Ministry's denial directly contradicts the account provided by the military. The Acting Military Information Officer of Operation HADIN KAI, Captain Mohammed Goni, had earlier stated that troops, supported by the Nigeria Police Mobile Force, successfully repelled an attack by suspected ISWAP terrorists at the school around 1:30 a.m. on July 19, 2026. The military reported that the attackers gained access to the facility with the help of suspected collaborators in an attempt to abduct the 46 students who were in the hostel at the time. All 46 students were rescued and evacuated to Kinnasara Barracks in Monguno, where they received medical assessment and care. The military also acknowledged that some students were killed after being struck by sporadic gunfire from fleeing terrorists during the firefight.
However, the Ministry of Education maintained that the security incident did not involve students of the Federal Government Girls' College. Minister Alausa clarified that the individuals affected were remedial students outside the college. "No student of Federal Government Girls' College, Monguno, was involved in the incident being falsely linked to the school," the Ministry stated. The Minister explained that the Borno State Government is already taking necessary steps to ensure the safety and welfare of those affected.
The Ministry urged journalists, bloggers, social media users, and online platforms to verify information through official channels before publishing reports. It warned that the spread of unverified information could create unnecessary fear, undermine public confidence, and distract authorities from ongoing efforts to maintain safe learning environments across the country. Parents and guardians were advised to remain calm, with the Ministry assuring them that there is no security threat at FGGC Monguno and reaffirming its commitment to working with security agencies and relevant stakeholders to protect students in all Federal Government Colleges nationwide.
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