TWENTY-EIGHT-YEAR-OLD Nigerian Army officer, Lieutenant Felix Ademe Isaac, who paid the ultimate price during the operation to rescue abducted teachers and pupils in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, has been laid to rest with full military honours.
Lieutenant Isaac was buried on July 10, 2026, at the 23 Armoured Brigade Cemetery in Yola, Adamawa State, following a solemn military ceremony attended by family members, colleagues and senior military officers.
The officer lost his life while leading troops in a daring mission to rescue 44 teachers and schoolchildren abducted by gunmen from three schools in Oriire LGA on May 15, 2026.
Reports on the circumstances surrounding Lt Isaac’s death have varied. While some accounts indicated that his convoy struck explosives planted by terrorists within the Old Oyo National Park, others stated that the young officer encountered landmines and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) allegedly planted by Ansaru terrorists during the initial assault on the terrorists’ hideout.
Born on August 25, 1997, Lt Isaac was said to have led the first wave of troops that breached the forest stronghold where the hostages were being held, paving the way for the successful rescue operation despite the grave risks involved.
The Nigerian Army, in a statement issued following the rescue of the victims, acknowledged that some security personnel lost their lives during the operation.
“It suffices to note that the operations were carefully planned and executed to avoid collateral damages and to equally ensure that the innocent children and teachers were safely rescued. However, there were some casualties on the part of the security forces,” the Army stated.
Oyo State governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde, while expressing gratitude over the safe return of the abducted pupils and teachers, paid tribute to the fallen security personnel.
“I am really grateful for the safe return of the children and teachers abducted from Oriire LGA 56 days ago. Our priority now is to ensure they are reunited with their families and support their rehabilitation after this traumatic experience.
“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,” the governor said.
The rescue operation involved personnel drawn from more than 10 security agencies and was coordinated by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division of the Nigerian Army, Major General Chinedu Ralph Nnebeife.
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