Our Hope Gone, Family Mourns Slain Army Officer In Oyo Rescue Operation
The family of Lt. Felix Ademe Isaac, the 28-year-old Nigerian Army officer who died during an operation to rescue abducted teachers and pupils in Oyo State, says it is struggling to come to terms with the loss.
Lt. Isaac was killed on July 10, 2026, while leading troops in the operation that secured the freedom of teachers and pupils abducted from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The victims were kidnapped on May 15, 2026, from Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; Community Grammar School, Esiele; and LA Primary School before being taken into the forest.
There are conflicting accounts of how the officer died. While some reports said his convoy struck explosives planted in the National Park area of Oyo State, others claimed he stepped on a landmine allegedly planted by Ansaru fighters identified as the group behind 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.
According to Daily Trust’s Monday report, during a visit to the family’s residence in Bachure Quarters, Yola, his father, retired Master Warrant Officer Isaac Alabura, described the loss as devastating.
Describing his late son as “the hope of the family and the community,” Alabura said they had expected him to rise through the ranks of the military.
“It is natural to feel pain whenever you lose someone, even if it is an enemy.
“How much more 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,” he said.
Alabura also expressed disappointment over how the family learned of his son’s death, saying neither the military authorities nor the Oyo State Government had officially briefed them on the circumstances surrounding the incident.
He, however, commended four serving and retired senior military officers whom he said ensured his son’s body was released and transported to Yola for burial despite attempts by some people to have him buried in Oyo State.
Recalling the events leading up to the operation, he said: “His death is deeply painful. He had just returned from training at the Nigerian Defence Academy in Jaji, Kaduna, and was preparing to report to Sokoto for another assignment.
“Around 3pm, he was instead directed to lead the rescue operation in Oyo.”
Appeal for support, cousin mourns
He appealed to the military authorities and the Oyo State Government to support the family, noting that the officer paid the ultimate price in service to the nation.
Lt. Isaac’s cousin, Tidwawa Nelson Eweh, described him as calm, intelligent and hardworking, saying he had been committed to serving Nigeria.
“When he decided to join the Nigerian Army, we all believed he would rise through the ranks and contribute to improving the country’s security. Sadly, that dream has been cut short.
“We have lost a beloved family member, and Nigeria has also lost a promising officer who still had so much to offer,” he said.
Eweh urged the military authorities and the Oyo State Government to remember the officer’s family and called for him to be immortalised in recognition of his sacrifice.
Lt. Isaac hailed from Kola Ward in Guyuk Local Government Area of Adamawa State.
The Nigerian Army, in a statement after the rescue operation, confirmed that security forces suffered casualties.
“It suffices to note that the operations were carefully planned and executed to avoid collateral damage and to equally ensure that the innocent children and teachers were safely rescued. However, there were some casualties on the part of the security forces,” the statement read.
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde also paid tribute to personnel involved in the operation.
“Really grateful for the safe return of the children and teachers abducted from Oriire LGA 56 days ago. Our priority now is to ensure they are reunited with their families and support their rehabilitation after this traumatic experience.
“We also 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,” he had said.
The rescue operation was led by Major General Chinedu Ralph Nnebeife, General Officer Commanding 2 Division of the Nigerian Army, and involved security operatives from more than 10 agencies.
