The Nigerian Army has buried 28-year-old Lieutenant Felix Ademe Isaac with full military honours following his death during the operation that rescued abducted pupils and teachers in Oyo State. The burial took place at the 23 Armoured Brigade Cemetery in Yola, Adamawa State, on July 10, 2026.
Details of the Rescue Operation
The intelligence-led operation rescued 44 abducted pupils and teachers after 56 days in captivity. The victims were kidnapped on May 15, 2026, when gunmen attacked Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; Community Grammar School, Esiele; and LA Primary School in Oriire Local Government Area. A teacher was killed during the initial attack.
The rescue mission involved multiple security agencies, including the Nigerian Army, Navy, Air Force, Police, Department of State Services (DSS), National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Office of the National Security Adviser, the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), Amotekun Corps, local hunters, and vigilantes. The operation focused on dismantling the kidnappers' network, logistics chain, informants, and hideouts in the Old Oyo National Park and other locations.
Arrests and Casualties
According to the Nigerian Army, the operation led to the arrest of eight suspected kidnappers, while several others were killed. President Bola Tinubu hailed the operation as a major breakthrough, demonstrating what could be achieved through coordinated intelligence and security efforts. The rescued pupils and teachers are currently receiving medical attention before being reunited with their families.
Lieutenant Isaac was killed while leading troops during the operation. His death was confirmed by military sources after Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde disclosed that security forces recorded casualties during the rescue mission without identifying the fallen officer.
Family's Tribute and Appeal
Lt. Isaac's father described him as "the hope of the family and the community," expressing that the family had expected him to rise through the ranks of the Nigerian Army. He noted that the family was not officially briefed about the circumstances surrounding his son's death and appealed to the military authorities and the Oyo State Government for support. According to him, his son had only recently completed a military course and was preparing for another assignment before being deployed for the rescue mission.
Governor Makinde paid tribute to security personnel who lost their lives during the operation, stating, "We also commend the security agencies that took part in the rescue operations for their sacrifices. May the souls of those who paid the ultimate price rest in peace and may God comfort their families."
Background of the Fallen Officer
Lieutenant Felix Ademe Isaac was born on August 25, 1997. He was buried at the 23 Armoured Brigade Cemetery in Yola, Adamawa State, on July 10, 2026. While the Army acknowledged that there were casualties among security personnel during the operation, Lt. Isaac is the only military officer whose death has been officially confirmed and publicly identified.
