It was a huge relief for the people of Gwoza and other surrounding Mandara Mountain communities, as a top wanted commander of Boko Haram who has been terrorising the neighbourhood, Mallam Yathabalwe reportedly surrendered to troops of ‘Operation Hadin Kai’ in the North East.
The First Class Emir of Gwoza local government area in Borno, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Mohammed Shehu Timta confirmed this development to newsmen on Friday.
“We are happy to inform you and confirmed that the most top wanted commander of Boko Haram who have 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 military troops in Gwoza, after which he may be taken to Maiduguri, the Borno state capital for further questioning or action.
“Yathabalwe, before surrendering has been terrorizing my people for many years, especially making it very difficult for farmers to access their farmlands.
“With this new development, we are hopeful that total peace will return to Gwoza and its environs,” the First Class Emir told Vanguard.
