Troops of the Mobile Strike Team under Operation Fasan Yamma have eliminated a notorious terrorist kingpin, Auta, along with at least 14 of his associates during a decisive military operation in Zamfara State.

The operation, which took place on June 10, 2025, near Kunchin Kalgo town in Tsafe Local Government Area, marked a significant victory in Nigeria’s ongoing battle against terrorism in the North-West region.

Auta, who had long been linked to a series of brutal attacks and violent crimes in Zamfara and surrounding areas, was killed alongside his close aides, Abdul Jamilu and Salisu. According to the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye, the successful offensive dealt a major blow to terrorist networks operating in the region.

“These terrorists were responsible for multiple acts of violence and terrorism. Their elimination is a critical disruption of their operations and influence,” Kangye said in a statement released on Thursday.

Preliminary intelligence also confirmed the deaths of two additional terrorist leaders during the operation, one of whom was identified as Babayé.

In a related development, troops reportedly neutralised Sale Ado Madele, also known as Sarki, the eldest son of infamous bandit kingpin Ado Alieru. Sarki’s death is expected to severely weaken Alieru’s faction, which has been implicated in several high-profile abductions and killings across Zamfara and neighbouring states.

Further demonstrating increased military pressure on armed groups, another group of 10 terrorists was eliminated by troops near a filling station in Danjibga. Intelligence sources revealed the group had been mobilised by another bandit leader, Dogo Sule, for a planned assault.

“The Armed Forces remain committed to safeguarding lives and restoring peace across Zamfara and the entire North-West region,” Kangye added. “This operation underscores our resolve to dismantle terrorist networks and bring perpetrators of violence to justice.”

The military’s recent successes in Zamfara signal renewed momentum in its counter-terrorism campaign, with security forces intensifying operations to end the reign of terror that has plagued the region for years.