‘Felix was our hope’: Father of 28-yr-old lieutenant killed in Oyo rescue operation mourns

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 yet to recover from the devastating loss, calling on authorities to support the family and honour his sacrifice.

Lt. Isaac was killed while leading troops during the rescue operation that secured the release of teachers and pupils abducted from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

There are conflicting accounts of how the officer died. While some reports claimed his convoy struck explosives during the operation, others alleged he stepped on a landmine planted by suspected Ansaru fighters.

The officer, born on August 25, 1997, was buried with full military honours at the 23rd Armoured Brigade Cemetery in Yola, Adamawa State, on July 10, 2026.

Speaking at the family’s residence in Yola, his father, retired Master Warrant Officer Isaac Alabura, described his late son as the hope of both the family and the community.

“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,” he said.

Alabura also expressed disappointment that neither the Nigerian Army nor the Oyo State Government officially informed the family about the circumstances surrounding his son’s death.

He, however, commended serving and retired military officers who ensured the officer’s body was transported to Yola for burial despite reported attempts to bury him in Oyo State.

According to him, Lt. Isaac had only recently returned from military training and was preparing for another deployment before he was redirected to lead the rescue mission.

The family appealed to the military authorities and the Oyo State Government to support those he left behind, noting that the young officer paid the ultimate price in service to Nigeria.

His cousin, Tidwawa Nelson Eweh, described the late officer as calm, intelligent and dedicated, urging authorities to immortalise him in recognition of his sacrifice.

Lt. Isaac hailed from Guyuk Local Government Area of Adamawa State and was among security personnel who lost their lives during the operation that successfully rescued the abducted teachers and pupils after 56 days in captivity.

Following the rescue, the Nigerian Army confirmed that the operation recorded casualties among security personnel, while Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde commended the security agencies involved and paid tribute to those who died in the line of duty.

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