Lieutenant killed in Oyo rescue operation laid to rest with full military honours
Lieutenant Felix Ademe Isaac, 28, who died while leading troops to rescue abducted Oriire schoolchildren, has been laid to rest with full military honours.
Felix Ademe Isaac, a 28-year-old Lieutenant of the Nigerian Army who was killed during the operation to rescue teachers and pupils abducted from Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, has been laid to rest. The deceased was killed while leading troops to rescue the victims, who regained freedom on 10 July 2026.
Gunmen had invaded three schools on 15 May 2026, whisking the victims into the forest. There are different accounts of the senior officer’s death. While some reports said his convoy was hit by explosives set by terrorists at the National Park in Oyo, others said he ran into a landmine set by the Ansaru terrorists, identified as the group behind the abduction.
Born on 25 August 1997, Lieutenant Isaac was laid to rest with full military honours at the 23rd Armoured Brigade Cemetery in Yola, Adamawa State capital, on 10 July 2026. He was not the only casualty in the rescue operation. The Nigerian Army briefly acknowledged this in a statement issued after the victims regained freedom. “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 statement read.
Governor Seyi Makinde said: “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”. Security operatives from more than 10 agencies took part in the operation led by Major General Chinedu Ralph Nnebeife, the General Officer Commanding, 2 Division, Nigerian Army.
Tributes poured in for the fallen officer. Oyo Affairs wrote: “Here is one of the officers Governor Seyi Makinde mentioned, who paid the supreme sacrifice while trying to rescue the abducted Oriire teachers and schoolchildren. May the soul of Lt. Felix Ademe Isaac rest in peace”. Sir Kay, tweeting via @Rise_Forge, wrote: “Lieutenant Felix Ademe Isaac was a gallant Nigerian Army officer who paid the ultimate sacrifice during the 2026 operation to rescue abducted schoolchildren in Oyo State. A courageous and dedicated combat officer, he exemplified selfless service, professionalism and unwavering commitment to duty”. Toju Weston wrote: “Late LT FA Issac was laid to rest yesterday. He fell in the line of duty during the initial phase of Oyo rescue Ops. While others celebrate the return of the hostages, his family mourns. Rest easy soldier your sacrifice was not in vain, the kids are back”.
The celebration of the rescue and the grief for the fallen are two sides of the same coin. Forty-four hostages are free. One soldier is dead. His sacrifice is not forgotten, but it is not a solution either. The next kidnapping is only a matter of time.
The winners: the 44 rescued hostages and their families. The losers: the family of Lieutenant Felix Ademe Isaac, who lost a son, and the Nigerian state, which continues to lose its best soldiers in a war it cannot win.
Bottom Line: A 28-year-old lieutenant died so that 44 hostages could live. His sacrifice is honoured. The question is whether it will be remembered when the next abduction happens.