Lt Felix Ademe Isaac’s family has spoken publicly for the first time following the death of the 28-year-old Nigerian Army officer, describing the loss as devastating and appealing for greater support after the soldier was killed while leading a rescue mission that secured the release of abducted teachers and pupils in Oyo State.
Lieutenant Felix Ademe Isaac lost his life on July 10 during the military operation that freed victims kidnapped from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area.
Also read: Gunmen abduct 60-year-old Oyo headmaster, demand N30m ransom
The teachers and pupils had been held captive since their abduction on May 15 before security forces located and rescued them after nearly two months in captivity.
Questions, however, remain over the precise circumstances surrounding the officer’s death.
While some reports indicated that his convoy struck an explosive device inside the National Park area of Oyo State, other accounts suggested that Lieutenant Isaac stepped on a landmine allegedly planted by Ansaru militants believed to have carried out the abduction.
The Nigerian Army has confirmed that security personnel suffered casualties during the operation but has not publicly clarified how the officer died.
Born on August 25, 1997, Lieutenant Isaac was laid to rest with full military honours at the 23rd Armoured Brigade Cemetery in Yola, Adamawa State, on July 10.
Speaking at the family’s residence in Bachure Quarters, retired Master Warrant Officer Isaac Alabura described his son as the hope of both the family and the wider community, saying everyone had expected him to build a distinguished military career.
“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,” Alabura said.
The grieving father also expressed disappointment that neither military authorities nor the Oyo State Government had officially explained the circumstances surrounding his son’s death to the family.
Despite that concern, Alabura commended four serving and retired senior military officers who ensured the officer’s body was released and transported to Yola for burial after reported attempts to have him buried in Oyo State.
Recalling his son’s final hours before the operation, Alabura revealed that Lieutenant Isaac had only recently completed training at the Nigerian Defence Academy in Jaji, Kaduna State, and had been preparing to report to Sokoto for another assignment.
“Around 3pm, he was instead directed to lead the rescue operation in Oyo,” he said.
The family’s appeal has added a deeply human dimension to a mission widely praised for rescuing the kidnapped teachers and pupils without reported civilian casualties.
Lieutenant Isaac’s relatives have urged both the Nigerian Army and the Oyo State Government to support the family, arguing that the officer paid the ultimate price in service to the country.
Lt Felix Ademe Isaac’s family also received support from cousin Tidwawa Nelson Eweh, who described the fallen officer as calm, intelligent and dedicated to national service.
“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. We have lost a beloved family member, and Nigeria has also lost a promising officer who still had so much to offer,” Eweh said.
Eweh further appealed for Lieutenant Isaac to be immortalised in recognition of his sacrifice.
Following the rescue operation, the Nigerian Army said the mission had been meticulously planned to safeguard the lives of the abducted children and teachers.
“It suffices to note that the operations were carefully planned and executed to avoid collateral damage 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 said.
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde also paid tribute to the personnel involved, expressing gratitude for the successful rescue while acknowledging those who lost their lives.
“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 operation was led by Major General Chinedu Ralph Nnebeife, the General Officer Commanding 2 Division of the Nigerian Army, and brought together personnel from more than 10 security agencies.
Also read: Gunmen abduct 60-year-old Oyo headmaster, demand N30m ransom
The mission marked one of the largest coordinated rescue operations in the state in recent months, even as the death of Lieutenant Isaac underscored the significant risks security personnel continue to face in combating kidnapping and armed insurgency across Nigeria.
David Okere is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering business, governance, public affairs, and human-interest stories with a commitment to accuracy, balance, and public interest reporting.
