‘Our Hope Is Gone’: Family Mourns Army Officer Killed During Oyo Rescue Operation

The family of Lieutenant Felix Ademe Isaac, the 28-year-old Nigerian Army officer who lost his life during the operation that secured the release of abducted pupils and teachers in Oyo State, has expressed deep sorrow over his death, describing it as a devastating loss to both the family and the nation.

Lt. Isaac was killed on July 10, 2026, while leading troops during the operation that rescued pupils and teachers abducted from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State after 56 days in captivity.

The victims were kidnapped on May 15 from Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; Community Grammar School, Esiele; and LA Primary School before being taken into the forest by their abductors.

There are conflicting accounts regarding the circumstances surrounding the officer’s death. While some reports claimed his convoy struck explosives planted in the Old Oyo National Park area, others alleged that he stepped on a landmine believed to have been planted by Ansaru fighters, the group accused of carrying out the abduction.

Born on August 25, 1997, Lt. Isaac was buried with full military honours at the 23rd Armoured Brigade Cemetery in Yola, Adamawa State, on July 10.

Speaking during a visit by Daily Trust to the family’s residence at Bachure Quarters in Yola, the deceased officer’s father, retired Master Warrant Officer Isaac Alabura, described the loss as heartbreaking, saying his son was the family’s greatest hope.

“It is natural to feel pain whenever you lose someone, even if it is an enemy. How much more a brilliant young officer whom our family and community looked up to? His life was cut short at a time we expected him to achieve greater things,” Alabura lamented.

The bereaved father also expressed disappointment that neither the Nigerian Army nor the Oyo State Government officially briefed the family on the circumstances surrounding his son’s death before the news reached them.

He, however, commended four serving and retired senior military officers whom he said ensured that his son’s remains were released and transported to Yola for burial despite reported attempts to have him buried in Oyo State.

Recounting the events preceding the operation, Alabura said his son had only recently completed a training programme at the Nigerian Defence Academy in Jaji, Kaduna State, and was preparing to proceed to Sokoto for another assignment before he was redeployed.

“His death is deeply painful. He had just returned from training at the Nigerian Defence Academy in Jaji and was preparing to report to Sokoto for another assignment. Around 3 p.m., he was instead directed to lead the rescue operation in Oyo,” he said.

The grieving father appealed to the military authorities and the Oyo State Government to support the late officer’s family, noting that he paid the supreme sacrifice in service to the nation.

Also mourning the fallen officer, his cousin, Tidwawa Nelson Eweh, described Lt. Isaac as calm, intelligent and dedicated, saying he had always been passionate about serving Nigeria through the military.

“When he decided to join the Nigerian Army, we all believed he would rise through the ranks and contribute immensely to improving the country’s security. Sadly, that dream has been cut short. Nigeria has lost a promising officer who still had so much to offer,” Eweh said.

He urged the military authorities and the Oyo State Government to immortalise the late officer in recognition of his sacrifice and commitment to national service.

Lt. Isaac hailed from Kola Ward in Guyuk Local Government Area of Adamawa State.

Following the successful rescue operation, the Nigerian Army confirmed that security personnel suffered casualties while ensuring the safe release of the abducted pupils and teachers.

“The operations were carefully planned and executed to avoid collateral damage and ensure that the innocent children and teachers were safely rescued. However, there were some casualties on the part of the security forces,” the Army stated.

Governor Seyi Makinde also paid tribute to the security personnel who participated in the operation, expressing gratitude for their courage and sacrifice.

“We commend the security agencies that took part in the rescue operations for their sacrifices. May the souls of those who paid the ultimate price rest in peace, and may God comfort their families,” the governor said.

The rescue operation was led by the General Officer Commanding 2 Division of the Nigerian Army, Major General Chinedu Ralph Nnebeife, with the support of personnel drawn from more than 10 security and intelligence agencies.