Photo: Chief of Defence Staff, Maj Gen Christopher Musa
By Didimoko A. Didimoke, with agency report
Nigerian troops have killed notorious terrorist kingpin Auta and at least 14 of his associates in a major military operation under Operation Fasan Yamma in Zamfara State.
The offensive, conducted on June 10, 2025, near Ƙunchin Kalgo in Tsafe Local Government Area, is being described as a critical blow to terrorist networks destabilising North-West Nigeria. Auta, long wanted for orchestrating violent attacks and kidnappings, was eliminated alongside key lieutenants Abdul Jamilu and Salisu.
In a statement, Major General Markus Kangye, Director of Defence Media Operations, confirmed that intelligence also points to the deaths of two additional terrorist commanders, including one identified as Babayé. Their elimination marks what the military calls a “significant disruption” of armed insurgent activities in Zamfara State.
In a separate engagement, troops also neutralised Sale Ado Madele, widely known as Sarki, the eldest son of notorious bandit leader Ado Alieru. Sarki played a key role in a syndicate responsible for abductions and killings across the region. His death is expected to further destabilise the Alieru faction and reduce the group’s operational capacity.
Further anti-terror operations led to the death of 10 armed terrorists near a filling station in Danjibga. Intelligence revealed they had been mobilised by bandit leader Dogo Sule for a planned attack. Swift action by the Mobile Strike Team prevented the assault and eliminated the threat.
Major General Kangye emphasised that these coordinated operations are part of a broader military campaign to combat terrorism and restore peace in Zamfara and the wider North-West region of Nigeria.
“The Nigerian Armed Forces remain committed to dismantling terrorist networks and safeguarding lives. These results show our determination to ensure lasting peace and security,” he said.
Operation Fasan Yamma continues to yield significant gains in the fight against terrorism, reinforcing the government’s resolve to eliminate banditry and insurgency through intelligence-led operations and rapid-response engagements.
