Troops under Operation Fasan Yamma have killed notorious terrorist leader Auta and 14 others in a major Zamfara offensive.
The military also eliminated top aides and intercepted another group plotting attacks, striking a heavy blow to terror networks.
In a major breakthrough in Nigeria’s ongoing war against terrorism, troops under Operation Fasan Yamma have successfully neutralized a notorious terrorist leader identified as Auta, along with at least 14 of his armed associates. The operation was carried out in the early hours of June 10, 2025, near Ƙunchin Kalgo, a community in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
The Nigerian Army, through a statement released on Thursday by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye, confirmed the success of the military operation. According to Kangye, the targeted offensive led to the deaths of Auta and his key lieutenants, including Abdul Jamilu and Salisu, who had been central figures in the coordination of several violent attacks and terrorist activities across the region.
Major General Kangye described the mission as a “critical disruption” of entrenched terrorist cells in Zamfara and noted that the success of the operation marks a major step in restoring peace and weakening organized criminal networks operating in the area.
“The troops of the Mobile Strike Team engaged a large group of terrorists during a high-impact operation conducted near Ƙunchin Kalgo,” Kangye stated. “Among those neutralized was Auta, a well-known terrorist figure, along with his associates Abdul Jamilu and Salisu. These individuals were deeply involved in various acts of terrorism and had terrorized the region for a long time.”
Preliminary intelligence gathered after the operation indicated that two other senior terrorist commanders, one of whom was identified as Babayé, were also killed during the clash. This revelation has been viewed as an added victory in the effort to dismantle the leadership hierarchy of terror groups in the state.
In a related development, the military reported the death of another high-profile target Sale Ado Madele, also known by his alias Sarki. Sale is said to be the eldest son of the infamous bandit leader, Ado Alieru. His death was achieved during a separate mission and is expected to deal a serious blow to the Alieru faction, which has been linked to a number of mass abductions, killings, and other criminal activities within Zamfara and neighboring states.
Major General Kangye highlighted that the weakening of the Alieru network is a crucial milestone. “The elimination of Sale Ado Madele, the son of Ado Alieru, is a significant achievement. This could fracture the leadership structure of the group and reduce their operational capabilities,” he explained.
Additionally, in another confrontation on the same day, troops intercepted and gunned down 10 heavily armed terrorists near a filling station in Danjibga. Intelligence reports revealed that the group had been assembled by another bandit leader known as Dogo Sule. The group was allegedly plotting a major attack before being intercepted by military forces.
“These terrorists were believed to be part of a mobilized force organized by Dogo Sule for an imminent attack. The troops’ timely intervention successfully neutralized the threat,” Kangye stated.
He reaffirmed the Nigerian Armed Forces’ commitment to securing lives and restoring lasting peace in Zamfara and across the entire North-West region. According to Kangye, operations like these demonstrate the military’s resolve to eliminate terrorist elements and ensure justice is served to those who endanger public safety.
