By SUNTV Global Channel
The Nigerian Army has laid to rest Lieutenant Felix Ademe Isaac, the young officer who lost his life while leading troops during the operation that secured the release of teachers and pupils abducted from schools in Oyo State.
Lieutenant Isaac, 28, was buried with full military honours at the 23rd Armoured Brigade Cemetery in Yola, Adamawa State, on July 10, 2026.
The officer died during the military operation that ultimately led to the rescue of dozens of teachers and schoolchildren who had spent 56 days in captivity.
The victims regained their freedom on July 10 following weeks of coordinated security operations aimed at ensuring their safe return without causing harm to civilians.
Earlier, the Nigerian Army confirmed that members of the security forces lost their lives during the rescue mission but did not immediately disclose their identities or the number of casualties.
According to military authorities, the operation was carefully planned and executed to guarantee the safe rescue of the abducted children and teachers while minimising collateral damage.
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde paid tribute to the fallen personnel, describing their deaths as the ultimate sacrifice in service to the nation.
The governor expressed gratitude for the successful rescue of the victims and assured residents that efforts would be made to support the children and teachers as they recover from the traumatic experience.
The mass abduction occurred on May 15, 2026, when heavily armed gunmen riding motorcycles and dressed in military uniforms attacked three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The attackers stormed Baptist Nursery and Primary School in Yawota, Community Grammar School in Esiele, and L.A. Primary School in Ahoro-Esiele, 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 reportedly taken into forests around the Old Oyo National Park, an area increasingly threatened by criminal activities.
The incident sparked fear across the affected communities and led to the temporary closure of schools as parents kept their children at home.
The burial of Lieutenant Isaac has drawn tributes from military authorities, government officials and members of the public, who hailed his bravery and sacrifice in the line of duty.
