By Our Correspondent
A pall of grief has enveloped Bachure Quarters in Yola as the family of Lieutenant Felix Ademe Isaac, 28, struggles to come to terms with the loss of their son, who was killed on July 10, 2026 while leading troops in a rescue operation in Oyo State.
Lt. Isaac died during the military mission that secured the release of teachers and pupils abducted from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area 56 days earlier. The Nigerian Army confirmed that the operation, led by Major General Chinedu Ralph Nnebeife, General Officer Commanding 2 Division, involved personnel from more than 10 security agencies.
Speaking to newsmen at his residence in Yola on Sunday, the officer’s father, retired Master Warrant Officer Isaac Alabura, described his late son as “the hope of the family and the community.”
“It is natural to feel pain whenever you lose someone, even if it is an enemy. How much more a brilliant, young officer whom our family and community looked up to? His life was cut short at a time we expected him to achieve greater things,” the grieving father said.
Alabura, who retired from the Nigerian Army, said the family is yet to fully process the tragedy.
According to him, Lt. Isaac had just returned from training at the Nigerian Defence Academy in Jaji, Kaduna, and was preparing to report to Sokoto for another assignment when he was directed around 3:00 p.m. to lead the rescue team in Oyo.
The circumstances surrounding his death remain unclear to the family. While some accounts said his convoy struck explosives planted by terrorists in the National Park area of Oyo State, others claimed he stepped on a landmine allegedly planted by Ansaru fighters, the group identified as responsible for the abductions.
The father expressed disappointment that neither the military authorities nor the Oyo State Government officially briefed the family on the incident. He, however, commended four serving and retired senior military officers who, he said, ensured that his son’s body was released and flown to Yola for burial, despite attempts by some persons to have him buried in Oyo State.
Lt. Isaac was laid to rest with full military honours on July 10, 2026 at the 23rd Armoured Brigade Cemetery in Yola. Born on August 25, 1997, he hailed from Kola Ward in Guyuk Local Government Area of Adamawa State, the same hometown of the late Senator Dr. Silas Zwingina and the late Air Vice Marshal Dan Suleiman.
Sympathisers have continued to troop to the family home to offer condolences.
Also speaking, the deceased’s cousin, Tidwawa Nelson Eweh, described Lt. Isaac as calm, intelligent and hardworking.
“When he decided to join the Nigerian Army, we all believed he would rise through the ranks and contribute to improving the country’s security. Sadly, that dream has been cut short,” Eweh said.
“We have lost a beloved family member, and Nigeria has also lost a promising officer who still had so much to offer,” he added.
Eweh urged both the military authorities and the Oyo State Government to remember the officer’s family. Lt. Isaac is survived by his retired military father, his mother, a brother and a sister. The family is also appealing for support and for the late officer to be immortalised in recognition of his sacrifice.
The abductions that led to the fatal operation occurred on May 15, 2026, when gunmen attacked Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; Community Grammar School, Esiele; and LA Primary School in Oriire LGA and took teachers and pupils into the forest.
In a statement after the victims were freed, the Nigerian Army said the operation was “carefully planned and executed to avoid collateral damage and to equally ensure that the innocent children and teachers were safely rescued.” It added: “However, there were some casualties on the part of the security forces.” Lt. Isaac was among those casualties.
Governor Seyi Makinde, while announcing the safe return of the abducted children and teachers, also paid tribute to the fallen troops.
“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,” the governor said.
“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.”
As mourning continues in Yola, the Alabura family says they are holding on to the memory of a son who chose duty over comfort and paid the ultimate price in service to the nation.
