Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The family of Lieutenant Felix Ademe Isaac, the 28-year-old Nigerian Army officer who lost his life while leading the daring operation to rescue abducted schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State, is still struggling to come to terms with the devastating loss, describing him as the hope of both the family and the community. Lt. Isaac, who was born on August 25, 1997, was killed on July 10, 2026, during the early phase of the mission that successfully secured the freedom of 44 victims abducted from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area on May 15, 2026. He was buried with full military honours the same day at the 23rd Armoured Brigade Cemetery in Yola, Adamawa State.
According to conflicting reports, Lt. Isaac died after his convoy struck explosives planted by terrorists within the Old Oyo National Park, or after stepping on a landmine allegedly planted by members of the Ansaru terrorist group, who were identified as the perpetrators behind the abduction. He was at the forefront of the operation, firing the first shots and leading the initial breach into the forest stronghold where the hostages were being held. His colleagues, who laid him to rest, paid tribute with the words: "We will never forget."
Speaking at the family residence in Bachure Quarters, Yola, on Sunday, July 12, 2026, Lt. Isaac's father, Mr Isaac Alabura, a retired Master Warrant Officer, described his late son as "the hope of the family and the community." He said it is natural to feel pain whenever you lose someone, even if it is an enemy, and questioned how much more painful it is to lose a brilliant young officer whom the family and community looked up to. He noted that his son's life was cut short at a time when they expected him to achieve greater things. The father revealed that the young officer had just returned from training at the Nigerian Defence Academy in Jaji, Kaduna, and was preparing to report to Sokoto for another assignment when he was redirected to lead the rescue operation around 3:00 p.m. on the day of the mission.
Mr Alabura expressed disappointment that neither the military authorities nor the Oyo State Government had officially briefed the family on the circumstances surrounding his son's death. He, however, commended four serving and retired senior military officers who ensured that his son's remains were released and brought to Yola for burial, despite attempts by some persons to have him interred in Oyo State. He appealed to the military authorities and the Oyo State Government to support the bereaved family, noting that his son paid the ultimate price in defence of the country.
The deceased's cousin, Tidwawa Nelson Eweh, described Lt. Isaac as calm, intelligent, and hardworking, adding that the family had hoped he would rise through the ranks of the Nigerian Army and contribute to improving the country's security. He urged the authorities to immortalise the young officer in recognition of his sacrifice. The Nigerian Army acknowledged that some security personnel lost their lives during the operation, stating that the operations were carefully planned and executed to avoid collateral damages and to equally ensure that the innocent children and teachers were safely rescued, but that there were some casualties on the part of the security forces. Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde also paid tribute to the fallen personnel, saying: "May the souls of those who paid the ultimate price rest in peace and may God comfort their families." As the nation celebrates the safe return of the abducted victims, the family of Lt. Felix Ademe Isaac continues to mourn a young life cut short in the service of his country.
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