The Nigerian Army has buried Lieutenant Felix Ademe Isaac, the officer who lost his life while leading troops during the rescue operation that secured the release of teachers and pupils abducted from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The 28-year-old officer was laid to rest with full military honours on July 10 at the 23rd Armoured Brigade Cemetery in Yola, Adamawa State. Born on August 25, 1997, Lt. Isaac died during the military operation that ultimately led to the successful rescue of the abducted victims.
The rescued teachers and pupils regained their freedom on July 10 after spending 56 days in captivity.
While announcing the successful operation, the Nigerian Army disclosed that some security personnel were killed during the mission but did not immediately reveal the number or identities of those who died.
According to the Army, the operation was carefully planned to ensure the safe rescue of the hostages while avoiding civilian casualties.
“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 Seyi Makinde paid tribute to the fallen personnel, describing their deaths as the ultimate sacrifice in service to the nation.
Expressing gratitude over the safe return of the victims, Makinde said the government’s immediate priority was to reunite them with their families and provide the necessary rehabilitation after their traumatic ordeal.
He also commended the security agencies involved in the operation, praying for the repose of the souls of the personnel who died and for comfort for their families.
The Presidency had earlier confirmed the successful rescue of all the abducted pupils and teachers, with presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga announcing the development on Friday.
The victims were abducted on May 15, 2026, when heavily armed gunmen, dressed in military uniforms and riding motorcycles, attacked three schools in Oriire Local Government Area.
The attackers invaded Baptist Nursery and Primary School in Yawota, Community Grammar School in Esiele, and L.A. Primary School in Ahoro-Esiele, firing gunshots to create panic before abducting dozens of pupils and teachers in broad daylight.
Among those kidnapped were children as young as two years old and at least seven teachers. The victims were taken into the forests surrounding the Old Oyo National Park, an area that has experienced increasing activities of armed criminal groups.
The incident sparked widespread fear across the affected communities, forcing the closure of schools as many parents kept their children away from classrooms over security concerns.
