Troops kill terror kingpin AUTA, others in major Zamfara operation

Troops of Operation Forest Yakin (OPFY) have achieved a major breakthrough in their ongoing counterterrorism campaign in Zamfara State, neutralising a notorious terror leader known as AUTA and several of his associates in a recent offensive.

According to intelligence reports cited by counter-insurgency expert Zagazola Makama, the operation took place on June 10 in Ƙunchin Kalgo town, located in the Kunchin Kalgo District of Tsafe Local Government Area. During the intense firefight, troops eliminated key terror figures, including AUTA, ABDUL JAMILU, and SALISU.

While the military successfully overpowered the group, the whereabouts of another terror kingpin, BABAYE, and an unidentified accomplice remain unclear.

However, local sources suggest they may have also been killed in the gun battle.

In a related incident, Sale ADO MADELE—also known as SARKI and the eldest son of infamous bandit leader Ado ALIERU—reportedly escaped the offensive by fleeing through nearby farmlands.

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Witnesses said his escape coincided with farming activity in the area, which may have aided his evasion.

Following the operation, sources say criminal elements in Ƙunchin Kalgo have mobilised sympathisers to search for BABAYE and other fighters still unaccounted for.

Anxiety is reportedly rising among the ranks of terrorist groups in the region due to mounting losses inflicted by recent military actions.

This development follows another successful operation on June 9 in Danjibga, where troops killed around ten terrorists linked to a plot by a known militant, Dogo SULE.

One of the slain terrorists was buried in Danjibga cemetery, allegedly with the assistance of a local figure, Alhaji Hamza MKO, who was contacted by SULE to conduct the burial rites.

The Nigerian military continues to intensify its efforts to dismantle terrorist networks and restore security across Zamfara and other parts of the northwest.