In a major breakthrough in the ongoing fight against terrorism in Zamfara State, the Nigerian Army has confirmed the elimination of a notorious terrorist leader and his associates during a coordinated offensive by troops of the Mobile Strike Team (MST).
Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye, revealed in a press statement that the operation took place on Monday, 10th June 2025, around Ƙunchin Kalgo town in Tsafe Local Government Area. The raid led to the death of the feared terrorist kingpin, simply identified as Auta, along with two of his close allies, Abdul Jamilu and Salisu.
“These individuals were directly linked to multiple acts of terrorism, armed violence, and destruction within the general area,” Kangye stated. He described the operation as a well-executed mission that dealt a serious blow to criminal networks destabilizing the region.
The trio, especially Auta, had been on the military's radar for their involvement in numerous deadly attacks, kidnappings, and the coordination of criminal gangs operating across Tsafe and surrounding communities. Their neutralization, according to security experts, will likely disrupt the operational capacity of terror groups in that axis.
Major General Kangye emphasized that the success of the operation reflects the intensified resolve of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to rid the North-West of insurgents and restore peace to troubled areas.
He reiterated the commitment of the military to pursue all remnants of terrorist cells still active within the region, assuring residents of improved security and a return to normalcy.
The Defence Headquarters called on citizens to continue supporting the military with credible intelligence to aid ongoing operations, as troops remain fully deployed to prevent regrouping by any fleeing elements.
This latest success is part of a broader military campaign aimed at dismantling the infrastructure of terror in Zamfara and other parts of Northern Nigeria.