BREAKING: Top Boko Haram Commander surrenders, says Emir of Gwoza

Joseph Irikefe

The Emir of Gwoza, Alhaji Mohammed Shehu Timta, announced on Friday that Mallam Yathabalwe, the notorious Boko Haram Commander wanted for numerous attacks in Gwoza and nearby communities has surrendered to Operation Hadin Kai troops.

The monarch said: “We are happy to confirm and inform you that the most wanted top Commander of Boko Haram who had been terrorising Gwoza and other surrounding Mandara Mountain communities in my domain, Mallam Yathabalwe, has surrendered to troops of ‘Operation Hadin Kai’ in the North-East. “He willingly came out from his enclave on Friday morning with two AK47 rifles and some ammunition.

“He was then handed over to the troops of the Nigerian military in Gwoza, after which he may be taken to Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, for further questioning or action.”

Yathabalwe, who has long plagued our community with fear, particularly by obstructing farmers’ access to their fields, has finally surrendered. This development brings hope for lasting peace in Gwoza and nearby areas.

However, the military high command in the 7 Division, Nigerian Army, Maiduguri, or Operation Hadin Kai, has not yet confirmed the monarch’s statement.