Nigerian Troops Deliver Major Blow To Terrorist Networks, Neutralise Kingpin Auta In Zamfara.
In a significant victory for Nigeria’s counter-terrorism efforts, troops of the Mobile Strike Team (MST) under Operation Fasan Yamma have eliminated a notorious terrorist leader, Auta, and at least 14 of his associates in a decisive offensive in Zamfara State. The operation, conducted on 10 June 2025 around Ƙunchin Kalgo town in Tsafe Local Government Area, marks a critical step towards restoring peace in the troubled North-West region.
According to Major General Markus Kangye, Director of Defence Media Operations, the operation targeted Auta, a key figure linked to multiple violent attacks and acts of terrorism in Zamfara and surrounding areas. Alongside Auta, his close aides, Abdul Jamilu and Salisu, were also neutralised, dealing a severe blow to the terrorist network. Preliminary intelligence further indicates that two additional terrorist leaders, including one identified as Babayé, were eliminated during the offensive.
In a related development, troops also killed Sale Ado Madele, known as Sarki, the eldest son of notorious bandit leader Ado Alieru, further disrupting the criminal operations in the region. Additionally, ten other terrorists, believed to be part of a syndicate led by Dogo Sule and planning an attack near a filling station in Danjibga, were neutralised.
Major General Kangye described the operation as a “significant disruption of terrorist networks,” emphasising the Nigerian Armed Forces’ commitment to dismantling criminal elements and restoring stability. “This operation underscores our resolve to safeguard lives and bring perpetrators of violence to justice across Zamfara and the wider North-West region,” he stated.
Residents of Tsafe have hailed the operation, expressing gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Minister of State for Defence Dr. Bello Mohammed Matawalle, and National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu for their leadership in the fight against terrorism.
The success of the operation follows a series of coordinated efforts by Operation Fasan Yamma, which has previously neutralised other high-profile terrorists, including Bello Kaura in April 2025, and repelled attacks on communities such as Maraya Wabi village. The military’s ongoing operations, combining ground assaults and precision airstrikes, continue to weaken terrorist strongholds and restore socio-economic activities in Zamfara.
As Nigeria intensifies its efforts to combat insecurity, the elimination of Auta and his associates signals renewed hope for lasting peace in the North-West, with the armed forces pledging to maintain pressure on criminal elements until stability is fully restored.
