The father of Lieutenant Felix Ademe Isaac, the 28-year-old Nigerian Army officer who died while leading a rescue operation for abducted teachers and pupils in Oyo State, has spoken of his family's devastation. Mr Isaac Alabura, a retired Master Warrant Officer, described his late son as "the hope of the family and the community" during an interview at the family home in Bachure Quarters, Yola, on Sunday.
Lt. Isaac's Role in the Rescue Mission
Lt. Isaac was directing troops in a rescue mission targeting abducted teachers and pupils on July 10, 2026, when he was killed. Reports indicate that explosives planted by Ansaru fighters were triggered during the operation. According to his father, Lt. Isaac had recently completed training at the Nigerian Defence Academy in Jaji, Kaduna, and was preparing to travel to Sokoto for a new posting when plans changed abruptly. "Around 3:00 p.m., he was instead directed to lead the rescue operation in Oyo," Alabura said.
The abduction occurred on May 15, 2026, when gunmen seized teachers and pupils from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area: Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; Community Grammar School, Esiele; and LA Primary School. The Ansaru militant group was identified as responsible. Some accounts attribute Lt. Isaac's death to a landmine laid by Ansaru fighters in the National Park area of Oyo State. He was not the only security operative to lose his life during the operation.
Family Appeals for Support and Recognition
Alabura expressed frustration that neither the military nor the Oyo State Government had formally briefed the family on the full circumstances of the incident. However, he commended four senior military officers, serving and retired, who ensured his son's remains were returned to Yola for burial rather than being interred in Oyo state. "It is natural to feel pain whenever you lose someone, even if it is an enemy. How much more brilliant, young officer whom our family and community looked up to?" he said.
The late officer's cousin, Tidwawa Nelson Eweh, described him as calm, intelligent and committed to Nigeria's security. Eweh confirmed that Lt. Isaac is survived by his parents, a brother and a sister. He called on authorities to immortalise the officer's name in recognition of his ultimate sacrifice.
Official Reactions and Operation Details
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, reacting to the rescue's success, commended all security agencies involved and offered condolences, saying: "May the souls of those who paid the ultimate price rest in peace, and may God comfort their families." The Nigerian Army acknowledged that "there were some casualties on the part of the security forces" during the operation, which was described as carefully planned to protect the lives of the children and teachers.
Lt. Isaac hailed from Kola ward in Guyuk Local Government Area of Adamawa State. He was born on August 25, 1997, and was buried with full military honours at the 23rd Armoured Brigade Cemetery in Yola on July 10, 2026, the same day the rescue operation freed the victims. The rescue operation was led by Major General Chinedu Ralph Nnebeife, General Officer Commanding 2 Division of the Nigerian Army, with operatives from more than 10 security agencies participating.
Broader Context of the Rescue
The rescue of 39 pupils and seven teachers abducted from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area was the product of a month-long, intelligence-led operation involving nearly every arm of Nigeria's security architecture. News of the successful rescue, which came 56 days after the abduction, triggered spontaneous celebrations across the Ogbomoso area.
