Troops kill notorious terrorist leader Auta, 14 others in Zamfara

Troops of the Mobile Strike Team under Operation Fasan Yamma have killed a notorious terrorist kingpin known as Auta and at least 14 of his associates during a decisive offensive in the Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

The operation, which took place on 10 June 2025 around Ƙunchin Kalgo town, led to the death of Auta, alongside his close aides Abdul Jamilu and Salisu.

A statement released on Thursday by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Markus Kangye said Auta and his fighters had long been responsible for a string of violent attacks and terror activities in the region.

He described their elimination as a “critical disruption of terrorist networks.”

Kangye said, “Troops of the Mobile Strike Team under Operation FASAN YAMMA successfully killed a group of terrorists during a decisive offensive operation around Ƙunchin Kalgo town in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State on 10 June 2025.

“Among those killed was a notorious terrorist known as AUTA, alongside his associates Abdul Jamilu and Salisu. These terrorists were linked to multiple acts of violence and terrorism within the general area. The operation marks a significant blow to criminal elements, destabilising peace and security in the area.

“Preliminary intelligence indicates that two additional terrorist kingpins, including one identified as Babayé, were eliminated during the operation. ”

In a related incident, Kangye said troops neutralised Sale Ado Madele, also known as Sarki, the eldest son of the notorious bandit leader Ado Alieru.

He said Sarki’s death is expected to significantly weaken the Alieru criminal faction, which has been behind multiple abductions and killings in Zamfara and neighbouring states.

“In a separate incident, Sale Ado Madele (alias Sarki), the eldest son of known bandit leader Ado Alieru, was also reportedly killed, ” he added.

Furthermore, in a separate engagement, troops tracked and killed ten armed terrorists near a filling station in Danjibga.

Kangye said intelligence sources say the group was allegedly mobilised by another bandit commander, Dogo Sule, for a planned attack.

“The troops also killed an additional 10 terrorists who congregated near a filling station in Danjibga. The terrorists were believed to be part of a syndicate brought together by Dogo Sule for a planned attack.

“The Nigerian Armed Forces remain committed to safeguarding lives and restoring lasting peace across Zamfara State and the wider North-West region. This operation underscores our resolve to dismantle terrorist networks and bring perpetrators of violence to justice, “he said.