The family of Lieutenant Felix Ademe Isaac, the Nigerian Army officer who lost his life during the rescue of abducted teachers and pupils in Oyo State, has expressed deep grief, describing his death as a devastating loss to both the family and the nation.
Drivetvnews gathered that Lt. Isaac, 28, was killed on July 10, 2026, while leading troops during the operation that secured the release of teachers and pupils abducted from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area after spending 56 days in captivity.
The officer, born on August 25, 1997, was laid to rest with full military honours at the 23rd Armoured Brigade Cemetery in Yola, Adamawa State.
His father, retired Master Warrant Officer Isaac Alabura, described him as the family’s greatest hope, saying they had expected him to build a distinguished military career before his life was tragically cut short.
Alabura lamented that the family was not officially informed by military authorities or the Oyo State Government about the circumstances surrounding his son’s death. He, however, praised serving and retired senior military officers who ensured his son’s remains were returned to Adamawa for burial.
According to the family, Lt. Isaac had just completed training at the Nigerian Defence Academy in Jaji and was preparing for a new assignment in Sokoto before he was redirected to lead the rescue mission in Oyo.
His cousin, Tidwawa Nelson Eweh, described him as calm, intelligent and dedicated to serving Nigeria, urging authorities to immortalise him and provide support for his family.
There are conflicting reports about how the officer died. While some accounts claim his convoy struck explosives, others suggest he stepped on a landmine allegedly planted by insurgents during the operation.
The Nigerian Army confirmed that security personnel suffered casualties during the carefully coordinated rescue mission, while Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde paid tribute to the fallen personnel, praying for their souls and expressing gratitude for their sacrifice in securing the safe release of the abducted teachers and pupils.
