Military sources have confirmed the death of an Army officer, Lieutenant F.A. Isaac, during the operation that led to the rescue of 44 abducted pupils and teachers from the Old Oyo National Park.
The victims were rescued on July 10, 2026, following a coordinated operation involving the Nigerian military and other security agencies after spending several days in captivity.
According to military sources, Lieutenant Isaac was killed in the line of duty while leading troops during the rescue mission. He was buried the same day in accordance with military tradition.
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, had earlier disclosed that the military recorded a casualty during the operation but did not reveal the identity of the fallen officer. Military sources have now identified the deceased as Lieutenant F.A. Isaac.
The sources said the officer was among those at the forefront of the rescue operation when he sustained fatal injuries during an encounter with the abductors.
The pupils and teachers were abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State on or about June 6, 2026, before being rescued by security operatives.
The successful operation brought an end to weeks of uncertainty over the fate of the victims, while Lieutenant Isaac’s death has been described by military sources as a sacrifice made in the service of the nation.