The family of Lt. Felix Ademe Isaac, the 28-year-old Nigerian Army officer who died during an operation to rescue abducted teachers and kids in Oyo State, is yet to recover from the horrific loss, said his father, Mr Isaac Alabura.
The young commander was slain while leading troops in the rescue mission that released the victims on July 10, 2026.
Gunmen seized teachers and students from three schools in the Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State on May 15, 2026, before carting them away to the bush. The schools include Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; Community Grammar School, Esiele; and LA Primary School.
There are varying reports of the officer’s death.
Some sources suggested his convoy ran into explosives laid by terrorists in the National Park area of Oyo State, some said he walked on a landmine reportedly planted by Ansaru fighters, described as the group behind the abduction.
Lt. Isaac was born on 25th of August, 1997 and was buried with full military honours in the 23rd Armoured Brigade Cemetery, Yola, Adamawa State on 10th of July, 2026.
His father, a former Master Warrant Officer, told newsmen at his apartment in Bachure Quarters, Yola on Sunday that the family was still shocked by the event.
Alabura claimed his deceased son was “the hope of the family and the community” and they had hoped to see him climb the military ladder before his life was cut short.
When you lose someone it is reasonable to feel pain even if it is an enemy. How much more bright, youthful cop that our family and neighbourhood looked up to? He was cut short at a time we were expecting him to do greater things,” he said.
It was noted that sympathisers continued to visit the family house to grieve with them.
Alabura, who is also the Chairman, Oke Ogun West Local Council Development Authority (LCDA), expressed his disappointment at how the news of his son’s death got to the family, claiming none of the military officials and the Oyo State Government had officially updated them on the circumstances that led to the tragedy.
However, he praised four serving and retired senior military officers who, in his words, ensured that the body of his son was liberated and taken to Yola for burial despite attempts by other persons to have him buried in Oyo State.
“His death is a big pain. He was just coming from the Nigerian Defence Academy, Jaji, Kaduna where he was undergoing training and was about to proceed to Sokoto for another assignment. Instead, about 3 p.m., he was told to take charge of the rescue effort in Oyo, he said.
The late officer paid the supreme price in the service of the nation, he said, appealing to the military authorities and the Oyo State Government to assist the family.
The deceased’s cousin, Tidwawa Nelson Eweh, also hailed Lt. Isaac as calm, bright and hard-working.
He said the officer had an exceptional life and was dedicated to the service of Nigeria.
“When he opted to join the Nigerian Army, we all thought he would climb the ladder and add to the security of the country. Unfortunately, that dream has been dashed.
“We have lost a loved family member and Nigeria has also lost a promising officer who still has much to offer.
Eweh requested the military authorities and the Oyo State Government to remember the family of the officer, stating that he left behind his retired military father, mother, a brother and a sister.
He also asked for the immortalisation of the late officer in acknowledgement of the sacrifice he made in the line of duty.
The late Senator Dr Silas Zwingina and the late Air Vice Marshal Dan Suleiman are from Kola ward in Guyuk Local Government Area of Adamawa State, where Lt. Felix Ademe Isaac is from.
In the rescue mission that finally worked, not only Felix Ademe Isaac died.
This was briefly referenced in a statement by the Nigerian Army following the release of the victims.
Suffice to say that the actions were meticulously planned and performed to avoid collateral damage but to assure the safe rescue of the innocent youngsters and teachers. However, some casualties were suffered by the security forces,” the statement said.
Governor Seyi Makinde on his part stated, “Really grateful for the safe return of the children and teachers abducted from Oriire LGA 56 days ago. Our objective now is to reunite them with their families and facilitate their recuperation following this horrific event.
“We also salute the security agencies that participated in the rescue operations for their sacrifices. “May the souls of those who paid the ultimate price rest in peace and may God give comfort to the families.”
The operation was headed by the General Officer Commanding 2 Division of the Nigerian Army, Major General Chinedu Ralph Nnebeife and involved security operatives from more than 10 agencies.
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