Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Military sources have confirmed the death of an Army officer, Lieutenant F.A. Isaac, during the operation that rescued 44 abducted pupils and teachers from the Old Oyo National Park, according to a report by Vanguard on Sunday, 12 July 2026. The fallen officer, identified as 28-year-old Lieutenant Felix Ademe Isaac, was killed in the line of duty while leading the initial breach to rescue the victims, who had spent 56 days in captivity after being abducted from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State on 15 May 2026.
According to Ripples Nigeria, Lieutenant Isaac was killed by landmines while leading the initial breach to rescue the victims. He was at the forefront of the operation in the Old Oyo National Park, firing the first shots when his convoy was hit by Improvised Explosive Devices set by terrorists. His colleagues paid tribute to him, saying: "We will never forget," as he was laid to rest with full military honours at the 23rd Armoured Brigade Cemetery in Yola, Adamawa State. Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde had earlier confirmed that the military recorded a casualty during the operation, underscoring the risks faced by security personnel involved in the mission.
The rescue operation, which led to the safe return of the abducted pupils and teachers on Friday, 10 July 2026, was the result of a month-long intelligence-led operation involving more than 10 security agencies. The operation was led by Major General Chinedu Ralph Nnebeife, General Officer Commanding 2 Division of the Nigerian Army, and involved special units from the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Defence Headquarters, the Nigerian Army, Navy, Air Force, the Nigeria Police, the Department of State Services, the National Intelligence Agency, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and local vigilantes, hunters, and Amotekun personnel.
The Nigerian Army confirmed that some security personnel were killed during the operation, which was designed to limit collateral damage. The Army said the operation focused on identifying the terrorist kingpins that masterminded the kidnapping, bursting and dismantling their networks and logistics links, including their informants and hideouts located within the Old Oyo National Park Forest. Multiple arrests were made within Oyo State and in other locations across the country, completely disorganising the group and exerting overwhelming pressure on them, ultimately leading the terrorist group to unconditionally release the pupils and teachers. The rescued victims are currently receiving medical attention in an undisclosed hospital and will be handed over to the Oyo State Government in due course to be reunited with their families.
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