[1] As a General in the Songhai Army, he was suspected to have been a pivotal figure in the alleged conquest that saw the Empire conquer five of the most powerful Hausa States (Kano, Gobir, Katsina, Zazzau and Zamfara) and more definitively Agadez.
His father, Mukata was said to be a descendant of Uthman Nann Ibn Mas'ud who was said to be leader of a group in charge of water supply at the Ka'abah.
[6] Towards the end of the 15th Century, Kotal joined the army of Songhai empire where he was designated a war chief in charge of Kebbi region.
Some of Kotal's men came to him with the same concerns about the booty and he explained to them what transpired between him and the Dendi Fari but assured them that if they would support him, he would lay claim to their share of the spoils to which they agreed.
Kanta's soldiers were able to hold their own against the emperors army and fought them to a standstill after which he dissolved his alliance with Askiya, returned and declared himself King.
[9] Kanta Kotal was said to have conquered other states in the region including Nupe and Zabarma and the influence of the king reached further down south.
Bornu under Mai Muhammad Ibn Idrissi came to the aid of Agadez after signing peace treaties but was forced to flee to Unguru where they lost seven battles against Kebbi.
Muhammad Kanta Kotal died from a poisoned arrow after he was attacked by some guerrillas in Dugul, Katsina on his way back from the expedition in Bornu.